20+ Fun Summer Reading Ideas and Activities
We've got 20+ fun summer reading ideas and activities sure to spark learning, curiosity, and engagement for students of all ages.
We've got 20+ fun summer reading ideas and activities sure to spark learning, curiosity, and engagement for students of all ages.
Are you looking for some fun summer reading ideas for your learners? At Summit K12, our team of former teachers, administrators, and school staff have been there and we’re here to help. As you know, the “summer slide” is all too real. The summer slide can refer to learning loss that occurs during the summer months. So, we’ve got 20+ summer reading ideas and activities sure to help spark learning, curiosity, and engagement. Let’s dive in!
There are a wide variety of ways to participate in reading throughout the summer.
According to the Public Library Association’s Strong Communities Report, “99% of public libraries offer a free summer reading program for kids.” From creative activities, interactive games, or community challenges, incorporating reading into your learner’s day becomes simple, easy, and fun.
Click to download your summer reading ideas printable here
Summer can be filled with fun, adventure, and the old ‘summer slide.’ The summer slide can be seen through all grades in K-12. Our team chimes in on the impact below.
“Students can lose significant academic progress over the summer. Just like a muscle, the brain has to practice regularly to be strong.” - Linda Marichal, Events Marketing Manager, Summit K12.
It’s amazing how a little reading everyday can keep those wheels moving. “It helps to keep students' brains engaged and helps to build background knowledge,” says Jordan Campbell, Head of Marketing, Summit K12.
And if you think just a few minutes won’t do much, think again.
Marichal continues, ”The brain is constantly building neuro pathways. Those pathways are strengthened with repetition. Spending just a few minutes a day can give the brain the repetition that it needs to make that pathway stronger and more nimble.” Small efforts over time make a big impact.
Reading can have so many benefits for kids, in the short-term and long-term. It can provide entertainment and an escape from their everyday lives. A fulfilling, enjoyable activity that can lead to creating some amazing habits as they grow.
Summer is a time of fewer schedules and more freedom, which gives kids the chance to:
Choose books that interest them without academic pressure
Develop intrinsic motivation for reading
Discover genres, authors, or topics they genuinely enjoy
This builds the foundation for a lifelong habit, not just a school requirement.
When you practice something over time, you become more comfortable. Naturally, this easily translates to an activity like reading over the summer.
Campbell chimes in,” reading can encourage independence.”
With more freedom to choose what and when to read, students:
Take ownership of their learning
Discover what interests them
Build habits that feel self-motivated, not forced
“Knowing that you are good at something brings you value and self worth. Students who know they bring value builds their self esteem and encourages them to take on new challenges,” adds Marichal.
When school-aged kids are picking up a book and reading over the summer, they're doing so much more than reading. In fact, their brain is connecting the dots.
Naturally, “Students who read consistently over the summer tend to perform better in reading, writing, and even math when they return to school,” says Andrea Cano, Marketing Manager, Summit K12 ,former Bilingual teacher and EB Program Director.
Once learners realize they can achieve this fun-filled activity, it opens up a world of new opportunities for them. For example, they can start to combine some of their favorite activities together.
•Love the outdoors? Grab your favorite book and head outside to read
•Enjoy being a part of a club? Start your own reading book club year-round
•Want to help your community? Create your own little free library to help inspire reading
• Enjoy cooking? Create dishes inspired by your favorite book series
•Love science? Combine science and reading to create science experiments based around a new book
•Enjoy a challenge? Keep track of your reading journey with a reading tracker
• Do you like playing games? Download this summer bingo reading challenge here.
Whether your learners are in elementary, middle, or high school, summer reading can build a lifelong love of learning, boost confidence, and inspire learning for years to come.
For more on summer activities, check out Fun Summer Activities for Multilingual Learners