Books, storytelling and educational media can help prevent summer learning loss while creating lasting family memories.
Summer is a time for adventure, discovery and making memories, and reading can be part of the fun. Research shows that children who continue reading during the summer are better prepared to return to school in the fall. By reading over the summer, kids can build their curiosity, confidence and lifelong love of learning, while preventing the “summer slide.”
Summer reading offers families a wonderful opportunity to build literacy skills while creating fun and meaningful moments together. Whether it's sharing a picture book before bedtime, listening to a chapter book on a family road trip, or reading instructions for a favorite activity, every reading experience helps children develop not only their reading skills, but also their curiosity, imagination, and family connections. Here are four simple ways to make reading a fun and rewarding part of your family's summer.
1. Read aloud together
Reading aloud isn't just for young children. Kids of all ages benefit from hearing stories read out loud. Reading together helps build vocabulary, improves listening skills and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations.
For younger children, reading aloud introduces new words and concepts. For older children, shared reading can spark discussions about characters, themes and real-world connections. Most importantly, it helps make reading a positive and fun experience.
Reading together can be more than just reading the story as written. Use the pictures to craft your own narrative together with your child, add new characters, or change the ending to make the story your own.
2. Visit your local library
Libraries are one of the best places to spark a love of reading. Beyond books, many libraries offer story times, hands-on activities, educational programs and opportunities for children to connect with other young readers.
Nebraska Public Media is proud to partner with libraries across the state to support literacy and lifelong learning. Together, we help connect families with trusted educational resources and programs that encourage curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages.
3. Join a summer reading program
Many organizations, including libraries, across Nebraska offer summer reading programs that encourage children to keep reading while school is out. This year's summer reading theme, "Unearth a Story", invites young readers to dig into new adventures, discover fascinating facts and explore stories from different times and places. For hands-on activities, games and digital media that can help bring the theme to life, check out Nebraska Public Media’s summer reading calendar.
Some summer reading programs include reading challenges, special events and prizes that help keep kids motivated. Check with your local library to learn what's available in your community!
4. Combine books with other media
Reading practice doesn't have to end when the book closes. Educational media, including the shows and resources from Nebraska Public Media and PBS KIDS, can help young children build literacy skills while making learning fun. In fact, research shows that access to PBS Ready to Learn media led to proven gains in learning.
Try these simple ways to extend learning beyond books:
- Include children in reading instructions or recipes.
- Build your own story together. Family storytelling is a powerful learning tool and a great way to share your family history and culture.
- Watch a program together that relates to a favorite book or story.
- Listen to a podcast or audiobook in the car, then talk about it together.
- Explore educational games and activities together, like the ones available on our website.