Summer Reading and Writing Challenge

Summer is a time for fun, sunshine, and a well-deserved break from the classroom. But did you know that students can lose up to two months of reading and writing skills over the summer? It’s called the “summer slide,” and it can make the start of the next school year more challenging than it needs to be. The good news? With just a little effort and creativity, parents and educators can help children stay sharp and even grow their literacy skills over the summer months. Now, get ready for some easy to use tips and also a closer look into a summer reading and writing challenge we’ve created just for you. These take all the guess work out of coming up with fun and engaging reading and writing lessons for this time of year!

Summer Reading Challenge

Reading is a foundational skill that impacts every subject. Consequently, when kids stop reading, they can fall behind — not just in English, but in math, science, and social studies too. For this reason, keeping this skill active ensures a smoother transition back to school. It also builds confidence that lasts all year long. We have created a 30 day summer reading challenge choice board with creative reading activities. For example, children can chose to read outside or under tree, read aloud in a silly voice, or even read the subtitles while watching TV! After all, the whole point is just getting the child to read everyday for 20 minutes. Keeping things light and fun will encourage them to complete this challenge.

In addition, we have included 16 reading response printables that cover fiction and non-fiction topics. These include main ideas, story elements (setting, plot), character analysis, cause & effect, animal & biography reports, and more! Also, there is a summer reading challenge tracker, weekly and monthly reading logs and even a student certificate for when the challenge is completed!

Summer Writing Journal Challenge

Now let’s look into weaving writing into a child’s summer routine so we can help them return to school ready to learn, grow, and thrive. We feel that there’s no better way to motivate your child or student this summer than to give them their very own writing journal filled with 20 creative and unique writing prompts. These prompts cover a variety of summer themes such as: travel, vacations, Father’s Day, beach, sea life, 4th of July/Independence Day, cool treats, camping, pirates, zoo, and carnivals! It is loaded with creative writing prompts that will keep your students engaged all season long.

This writing journal also comes with important supplemental resources like a punctuation chart, writer’s checklist and even a writing rubric (for student assessment). It’s everything the child needs to work on their writing journal independently! Then, once the journal is completed use the cover page to personalize it and it can be stapled together for the cutest summer keepsake.

More Tips to Keep Kids Learning All Summer Long at Home

You don’t need to recreate the classroom at home. In fact, the best summer learning feels more like play than work. Here are some fun and easy strategies to keep kids engaged:

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Set aside 20–30 minutes each day for reading. Let kids choose books that interest them — comic books, graphic novels, mysteries, or sports biographies all count! Libraries often have free summer reading programs with incentives and activities.

2. Expand on Their Summer Journal

Encourage kids to keep writing beyond a couple sentences by expanding a journal entry it into a short story or book! Then, they can write more details and even illustrate the writing passage. Have them share their story or book with the family!

3. Write Letters and Emails

Have your child write letters to family members or pen pals. Younger kids can draw pictures with a few words, while older kids can email a grandparent or friend. This helps them practice writing in a real-world context.

4. Use Technology Wisely

Educational apps and e-books can supplement reading time. Some apps offer writing prompts or interactive storytelling, making learning feel like a game.

5. Get the Whole Family Involved

Read a book together as a family and discuss it at dinner. Share your own writing — a recipe, a poem, or even a to-do list — and show how writing is part of everyday life.

How Teachers Can Help Prevent Summer Learning Loss

Educators can help prevent the summer slide by sending students home with book lists, writing prompts, and even reading logs. A quick end-of-year packet or a digital newsletter with ideas for families can make a big difference. Also, consider recommending community programs or local library events as well. Parents will really appreciate the extra effort you put in to helping prevent summer learning loss!

Take a closer look into our summer reading and writing challenge (also available on TPT). They can be printed and sent home as a packet or sent to families as a digital file.