How Can I Help My Struggling Reader Over the Summer?
By Julie Diamond, Ontario and British Columbia certified teacher & Founder/CEO of Diamond Teachers Group
If you’re looking for creative ways to help your child strengthen their reading skills this summer, check out our blog ‘How Can I Help My Child With Their Reading Skills?’
If your child finds reading difficult, you may be wondering how to support their growth without turning summer into another school term. The good news is that helping your child become a stronger reader doesn't require hours of worksheets or daily battles over books. In fact, some of the most effective reading practice happens through fun, engaging, real-world experiences.
Here are some practical strategies to help your struggling reader build skills, confidence, and a love of learning this summer.
1. Focus on Reading Confidence First
One of the biggest challenges struggling readers face is not necessarily their reading ability but rather their belief in themselves.
Many children who have experienced difficulty with reading begin to think:
"I'm bad at reading."
"Reading is too hard."
"Everyone else is better than me."
These thoughts can quickly turn into avoidance, frustration, or even anxiety around anything involving books or reading. Over time, this can create a cycle where less reading leads to less practice, which then reinforces the struggle.
That’s why the first and most important goal over the summer is not “fixing reading.” It’s rebuilding their confidence.
Shift the focus from performance to experience
Instead of asking:
“Did you read it correctly?”
“How many pages did you finish?”
“What level is this book?”
Try shifting to:
“What part did you like?”
“Was there anything funny or interesting?”
“What do you think will happen next?”
“How did that character feel?”
These kinds of questions keep the focus on meaning and enjoyment rather than performance and pressure.
Celebrate effort, not just accuracy
Struggling readers often only hear feedback when something is wrong. Over time, they begin to associate reading with correction.
Instead, intentionally notice effort:
“I noticed you stuck with that word. That was persistence.”
“You went back and tried again. That’s what good readers do.”
“You didn’t give up even when it was tricky.”
These small shifts help children see themselves as capable learners, not just struggling ones.
Normalize struggle as part of learning
Children often assume that “good readers” read everything quickly and easily. In reality, all readers, especially developing readers, encounter words they don’t know.
It can be powerful to say things like:
“Even adults come across words they have to slow down for.”
“Struggling with a word means your brain is learning something new.”
“Every reader gets stuck sometimes. That’s normal.”
This reduces shame and builds resilience.
Keep reading emotionally safe
For many struggling readers, reading has become a source of stress. If summer reading continues to feel like schoolwork, children may resist it even more.
A helpful goal is to make reading feel:
Low-pressure
Choice-driven
Safe to try without fear of correction
Connected to comfort and enjoyment
That might mean:
Reading together instead of alone
Letting your child skip a tricky word and keep going
Using audiobooks to reduce decoding pressure.
Choosing shorter or more visual texts (graphic novels, comics, fact books)
Progress starts with identity
One of the most powerful shifts you can support this summer is helping your child move from:
“I’m not a good reader.”
to:
“I’m learning to become a stronger reader.”
That identity shift matters more than any single book or worksheet.
When children begin to see themselves as readers who are improving, not failing, they are far more willing to take risks, try new books, and stick with challenges.
And that confidence becomes the foundation for everything else: fluency, comprehension, stamina, and eventually, independence.
2. Let Your Child Choose What They Read
Many parents worry that graphic novels, comics, magazines, or joke books don't count as "real reading."
They absolutely do!
The goal is to get your child reading. When children are interested in what they are reading, they are more likely to practice and develop their skills.
Consider:
Graphic novels
Sports magazines
Animal books
Cookbooks
Comic books
Fact books
Video game guides (yes, that is reading!)
Joke collections (A favourite at our house is the Dad Joke calendar)
If your child is engaged and reading independently, that's a win.
Remember: reading motivation often comes before reading improvement.
3. Find Books That Match Your Child's Interests
A common mistake parents make is choosing books based on grade level alone. Struggling readers are much more likely to read when they are interested in the topic.
Here are some educator-approved recommendations for different ages:
Ages 5–7 (Kindergarten–Grade 2)
Great Choices:
Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems
Pete the Cat series by James Dean
The Princess in Black series by Shannon and Dean Hale
Excellent Audiobooks:
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
Ages 7–10 (Grades 2–5)
Great Choices:
Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Wayside School series by Louis Sachar
Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne
Excellent Audiobooks:
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Ages 10–13 (Grades 5–8)
Great Choices:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wings of Fire Graphic Novels
Holes by Louis Sachar
Excellent Audiobooks:
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ages 13+ (High School)
Great Choices:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Excellent Audiobooks:
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Remember, a book that is slightly below your child's reading level but sparks their interest is often more beneficial than a book that feels frustrating or overwhelming.
4. Read Together Every Day
Reading with your child remains one of the most effective ways to support literacy development.
Even older children benefit from being read to.
When you read aloud:
Children hear fluent reading.
They are exposed to new vocabulary.
They develop listening comprehension skills.
Reading becomes an enjoyable shared experience.
Try:
Taking turns reading pages.
Reading dialogue for different characters.
Listening to audiobooks while following along with the text.
Reading bedtime stories together.
Aim for consistency rather than duration. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a significant difference.
5. Use Audiobooks to Build Language Skills
Some parents worry that audiobooks are "cheating."
In reality, audiobooks can be a powerful literacy tool.
Listening to stories helps children:
Build vocabulary
Improve comprehension
Develop background knowledge
Experience more complex texts than they can independently read
Consider listening to audiobooks during:
Road trips
Walks
Quiet time
Family travel
Household chores
Many children who struggle with reading discover a love of stories through audiobooks first.
Where to Find Free Audiobooks and eBooks
You don't need to spend a fortune building a summer reading library.
Many families can access thousands of books for free through:
The local public library
Libby (using a library card)
Hoopla
TumbleBooks
Storyline Online
Many libraries also offer summer reading challenges and incentives that can help motivate reluctant readers.
6. Make Reading Part of Everyday Life
Reading doesn't have to happen only with books.
Show your child that reading is useful and meaningful by incorporating it into daily activities.
Ask them to help read:
Recipes while cooking which is also a great way to incorporate math too!
Instructions for games
Menus at restaurants
Grocery lists: Get your child to write out the items as you recite them then read them back when you’re shopping!
Road signs
Maps
Event schedules
Product labels
These authentic reading opportunities help children see reading as a practical life skill rather than just a school subject.
7. Keep Practice Short and Positive
Long reading sessions can feel overwhelming for struggling readers.
Instead of requiring 30 or 40 minutes of reading, try:
10 minutes after breakfast
10 minutes before bed
Reading during a car ride
Sharing a chapter together
Short, successful reading experiences are far more effective than lengthy sessions that end in frustration.
If your child begins to feel overwhelmed, take a break and return later.
The goal is to build positive reading habits, not resistance.
8. Talk About What You're Reading
Reading is more than decoding words on a page.
Strong readers think about what they read.
After reading together, ask questions such as:
What happened in the story?
Why do you think that character made that choice?
What do you think will happen next?
What was your favourite part?
Did anything surprise you?
These conversations strengthen comprehension and critical thinking skills while helping children engage more deeply with texts.
Make reading feel rewarding and connected
A fellow teacher shared a strategy that really helped her son become more excited about reading. She reads a book together with him, and when they finish it, they celebrate by watching the movie version and making themed snacks related to the story. She said he now looks forward to their nightly reading time because he knows there’s something fun to look forward to at the end.
9. Play Literacy Games
Many literacy skills can be developed through play.
Try activities such as:
Scrabble
Boggle
Word searches
Wordle: Students absolutely love the daily Wordle in the classes I visit.
Crossword puzzles
Hangman
Rhyming games
Storytelling games
Alphabet scavenger hunts
Younger children may enjoy finding objects that start with specific sounds, while older children can create stories together or compete in vocabulary challenges.
When learning feels like play, children are often more willing to participate.
10. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
Children are more likely to read when books are accessible.
Create a cozy reading space with:
Comfortable seating
Good lighting!
Books within easy reach
Reading materials that match your child's interests
One of the best decisions my family made recently was getting library cards. What started as a simple way to access more books has become one of our favourite family traditions. However, my partner and I are currently modelling our own love of reading without putting any pressure on my stepson to borrow books yet. He enjoys browsing the shelves with us and listening to us talk about the books we’re reading, but he hasn’t chosen to borrow one himself so far.
What I think is important is that there is no pressure. Whether he chooses a book or not, he is still building a positive relationship with reading.
Libraries are wonderful because they allow children to explore a wide variety of genres, authors, and topics without any financial commitment. A child who isn't interested in chapter books may discover a love of graphic novels, animal books, cookbooks, or science magazines.
Many libraries also offer:
Summer reading programs
Storytimes
Literacy activities
Makerspaces
Educational workshops
A regular library visit can become a meaningful family tradition for your family as well while helping your child develop ownership over their reading choices and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
11. Watch for Signs Your Child Needs Additional Support
While summer practice can help many children improve, some struggling readers may benefit from targeted intervention.
Consider seeking additional support if your child:
Continues to avoid reading despite encouragement
Struggles to recognize common words
Reads significantly below grade level
Has difficulty sounding out words
Becomes extremely frustrated during reading activities
Shows little progress despite consistent practice
Early intervention can make a significant difference in helping children close learning gaps and build confidence.
Working with a qualified educator, like one of ourteachers who tutor, can provide personalized strategies tailored to your child's unique strengths and needs.
Remember: Progress Matters More Than Perfection
It's easy to compare your child to siblings, classmates, or grade-level expectations. However, every reader develops at their own pace.
Summer is not about creating perfect readers.
It's about helping children maintain skills, build confidence, and experience success.
A child who finishes the summer believing, "I can do this," is often better prepared for September than a child who completed endless worksheets but feels defeated.
By focusing on enjoyable reading experiences, meaningful conversations, and consistent support, you can help your struggling reader continue growing all summer long.
At Diamond Teachers Group, we believe every child can become a confident learner when given the right support. Our personalized Summer Tutoring helps students strengthen reading skills, close learning gaps, and build confidence before the new school year begins. Through one-on-one support with Ontario Certified Teachers, students receive individualized instruction that meets them where they are and helps them develop the skills they need to shine bright in September and beyond.