As summer begins, many families look forward to vacations, outdoor fun, and relaxed routines. But one important habit you’ll want to keep all summer long is reading with your child! Summer reading not only prevents the “summer slide” in learning but also builds a lifelong love of books and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Whether your child is an emerging reader or just starting to enjoy story time, summer is the perfect opportunity to nurture this important skill. And remember, quality education is a partnership between your daycare or preschool and your home. When you make reading part of your family life, you’re giving your child a powerful advantage.
Why Summer Reading Matters
Research shows that children who engage in reading over the summer maintain and even grow their literacy skills, while those who don’t risk falling behind:
- Reading as little as 15–20 minutes a day can make a huge difference in vocabulary and comprehension. (Reading Rockets)
- The summer slide can result in losing up to two months of reading skills when reading is neglected. (Scholastic)
- Shared reading with parents builds not only academic success but also social-emotional growth and stronger parent-child relationships. (Zero to Three)
At daycare and preschool, educators foster early literacy every day through story time, conversations, and print-rich environments. But extending those experiences at home is key to helping children become confident, joyful readers.
Tips for Starting a Reading Habit at Home
- Make reading a routine
Choose a consistent time each day — bedtime, after lunch, or first thing in the morning — for reading together. Young children thrive on routines. - Keep books accessible
Create a child-friendly book nook at home where books are easy to see and reach. Rotate books to keep interest high. - Follow your child’s lead
Let your child choose books based on their interests. Don’t worry if they want to hear the same story again and again — repetition builds understanding! - Make it interactive
Ask questions, point to pictures, make fun voices, and invite your child to participate. Reading should be playful and engaging, not a chore. - Visit the library
Many libraries offer summer reading programs with prizes, events, and themed story times. Check out what your local library has planned!
Encouraging New and Reluctant Readers
If your child is starting to read independently — or if they resist reading — here are a few ideas:
- Praise effort, not perfection — Focus on the joy of reading rather than correcting every word.
- Pair books with your child’s passions — Dinosaurs? Princesses? Space? There’s a book for every interest.
- Choose “just right” books — Books that are too hard can frustrate new readers.
- Incorporate reading into play — Use comic books, recipes, signs, and game instructions as fun reading opportunities.
- Be patient — It’s okay if your child doesn’t want to read sometimes. Keep offering books and modeling a love of reading yourself.
Why Quality Education Matters at Daycare
A child’s early years are a time of rapid brain development. The more positive, language-rich experiences a child has, the stronger their cognitive and emotional growth. Quality childcare and preschool programs provide:
- Daily exposure to books and storytelling
- Opportunities for conversation and vocabulary building
- Support for pre-literacy and emerging reading skills
- A love of learning that children carry into school and beyond
When parents and educators work together, children get the best of both worlds — a strong academic foundation and a joyful attitude toward learning.
Summer Book List for Ages 3–6
Here are some delightful books to inspire your summer reading:
📚 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
📚 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
📚 Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
📚 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury
📚 If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
📚 Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
📚 Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
📚 Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
📚 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
📚 Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
This summer, make books a part of your family’s fun! Whether it’s five minutes before bed or a cozy afternoon with a stack of stories, reading together strengthens your child’s brain, their bond with you, and their love of learning. And when that love of learning is nurtured both at home and through a quality childcare or preschool program, your child is set up for lifelong success.
Happy summer reading!