Keep Kids Reading All Summer: How to Spark Summer Reading Motivation

Keep Kids Reading All Summer: How to Spark Summer Reading Motivation

Fun Books. Fresh Voices. Big Imagination.

Summer is the perfect time for kids to relax—but it’s also a crucial time to keep their reading habits strong. Without regular practice, students can lose up to a month or more of reading progress over the summer. But with the right motivation—and the right books—reading can become one of the most enjoyable parts of the season.

This blog shares helpful tips to keep kids motivated to read, plus local library links, recommended summer reading lists, and an exciting opportunity to join our Excel Book Club!

📘 Why Summer Reading Matters

According to the National Summer Learning Association, students who don’t read during summer are at risk of falling behind their peers academically. But reading doesn’t have to feel like homework! When kids choose books that interest them and are given opportunities to talk about them, they grow as readers and thinkers.

🎯 Tips to Motivate Summer Reading

1. Let Kids Choose the Books
Autonomy matters. When kids pick their own books—whether fantasy, graphic novels, or nonfiction—they’re more likely to stick with them.

2. Create a Daily Reading Routine
Even 15–20 minutes a day can make a difference. Build a quiet reading time into your child’s daily routine, even on vacation!

3. Make Reading Social
Talking about books makes them more meaningful. That’s where a structured book club like ours can help!

4. Use Reading Incentives and Track Progress
Summer reading trackers and goal sheets (like your local library offers) can add excitement and a sense of achievement.

📚 Recommended Summer Reading Lists (By Grade Level)

These curated reading lists offer age-appropriate books that are popular, well-reviewed, and fun:

Grades 3–4:
➤ Common Sense Media Summer Picks for Grades 3–5
➤ Brightly Books: 9 Must-Reads for 8–10 Year Olds
Grades 5–6:
➤ Scholastic’s Summer Favorites for Grades 5–6
➤ NYPL Recommended Reads – Middle Grades

📍 Local Library Summer Reading Programs (Nevada)

Libraries are a free and fantastic resource for book lovers of all ages!

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
➤ Summer Challenge 2025 Info
➤ Free events, reading incentives, and book clubs
Henderson Libraries
➤ Kids Summer Reading Program

🏆 Join the Excel Summer Book Club!

Want to take summer reading to the next level? Our Excel Book Club offers an engaging, small-group experience where students read, listen, speak, and write about great books in a supportive setting.

📚 Program Details
Dates: June 2 – August 3 (8 weeks)
Format: Onsite | Max 6 students per class
Grades & Times:

Grades 3–4: Mon/Wed, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Grades 5–6: Tue/Thur, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Summer Special Tuition: $890 for 8 weeks
(*Regular Tuition: $80/session)

✔️ Guided reading and discussion
✔️ Vocabulary building and comprehension
✔️ Creative writing and public speaking practice
✔️ Social learning and confidence building

✨ Final Thoughts: Make Reading a Habit, Not a Chore

Whether it’s a cozy corner at home, a sunny spot in the park, or a lively classroom discussion, there are endless ways to keep kids reading this summer. With a little structure and a lot of choice, summer reading can be both meaningful and memorable.