How to keep reading over the summer holidays
(Even if you don’t like reading)
For many families, the summer holiday is a well-earned break from school routines. However, it’s also a time when learning habits - particularly reading - can quietly slip.
If your child says they “don’t like reading,” you’re not alone - it’s actually one of the most common concerns parents raise - but the good news is that enjoying reading is not always something students are simply born with, it’s something that can be built with the right approach.
With a few small changes, summer reading can become less of a chore and more of a natural part of daily life!
Why does reading over the summer matter?
Studies consistently show that students who stop reading over the summer can lose progress - often referred to as the “summer slide.” On the other hand, regular reading helps to:
Maintain and improve vocabulary
Strengthen comprehension skills
Support writing and exam performance
Build focus and concentration
Even 10–15 minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.
1. Redefine what “reading” means
One of the biggest barriers is the assumption that reading must mean sitting down with a traditional novel.
In reality, reading can include:
Magazines
Graphic novels
News articles
Blogs
Audiobooks (paired with text where possible)
Giving students choice removes pressure and increases engagement even with reluctant readers.
2. Start small and build consistency
For reluctant readers, setting large, overwhelming goals can backfire.
Instead:
Start with 10 minutes a day
Link reading to an existing routine (e.g. before bed)
Gradually increase time as it becomes more comfortable
Consistency in reading habits matters more than duration.
3. Remove the “school pressure”
During term time, reading is often associated with:
Analysis
Comprehension questions
Assessment
Over summer, try to remove this pressure. Let reading be:
Relaxed
Enjoyable
Free from testing
When students stop associating reading with performance, they are more likely to engage willingly.
4. Read together - even for older students
Reading together isn’t just for younger children.
For older students, this could look like:
Reading the same book and discussing it
Sharing interesting articles
Talking about ideas or themes informally
This builds confidence and reinforces that reading is valuable beyond school.
5. Use technology to your advantage
Technology doesn’t have to compete with reading - it can support it.
Students can:
Read eBooks on tablets or phones
Listen to audiobooks while following the text
Use apps that track reading progress
The key is to meet students where they already are.
6. Connect reading to interests
Reading becomes far more engaging when it links to something a student already enjoys.
For example:
A student interested in football might read player biographies
A student interested in science might explore popular science books
A student who enjoys gaming might read strategy guides or related fiction
This helps students see reading as relevant, not forced.
7. Create a low-pressure reading environment
Small environmental changes can make a big difference:
A comfortable reading space
Fewer distractions
Easy access to books or materials
Reading should feel like an easy option, not a task that requires effort to start.
8. Celebrate effort, not just progress
Avoid focusing only on:
How much has been read
How quickly a book is finished
Instead, recognise:
Consistency
Willingness to try
Engagement
This focus on a growth mindset builds confidence and reduces resistance.
While summer reading should feel relaxed, it plays an important role in academic success.
Students who read regularly often:
Write more clearly
Understand exam questions more easily
Build vocabulary
Develop stronger analytical skills
These benefits become especially important for subjects like English, History and Geography.
Not every student will immediately love reading - and that’s okay!
The goal over summer is not to force a habit, but to build a positive relationship with reading - even small steps taken over the summer can have a lasting impact when students return to school.
