Summer Reading Made Simple: Tips for Moms to Keep Kids Engaged
As a homeschooling mom of four, I know how quickly summer slips by with numerous hours spent at the pool, working on projects, and making memories together. But I’ve learned that keeping reading a priority during these warm months is one of the best gifts we can give our kids. Making reading a routine throughout the summer is crucial to set them up for a smoother transition into the school year, regardless if they are homeschooled or attend traditional school.
Reading in summer doesn’t need to feel like a chore. Here are three simple strategies we use in our home that help keep the love of reading alive without stress.
Build a Simple Summer Reading Routine
I’ve found that consistency beats quantity. In our house, this might look like a cozy morning read-aloud during breakfast or 20 minutes of quiet reading before bed with everyone sprawled on the couch. A small daily reading block helps keep the habit alive, so kids don’t lose their reading momentum over the summer.
We keep it fun with a sticker chart on the fridge, letting the kids track their progress and celebrate small milestones. My heart behind this is to make reading not only fun to them, but reinforce positive encouragement around reading. Although, my main goal is to make reading an opportunity to create intentional connections with our four kids.
Free Resource: Download my FREE Reading Sticker Chart here!
Turn Reading Into a Social & Interactive Adventure
Reading shouldn’t feel isolating. We love to host backyard “reading picnics,” invite the cousins over for book swaps, read-aloud's and cloud watching. I do not put many perimeters or timelines around these interactions. My heart behind it is for connection and introducing a fun environment around reading.
Other times, we turn on Audible and allow Alexa to read us a story as we wind down in the afternoon (and let mama drink her mid-day pick me up coffee in peace). I typically get out the Playdoh bin and ask them to re-create what they are listening too. This activity is great for mind-body connection, and it keeps my more fidgety kids entertained and engaged.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned that my kids don’t really care as much about what we do, as long as we’re doing it together. So when reading feels connected to family time and friendship, it becomes something kids look forward to instead of another task to check off.
Let Kids Choose Books They Love
One of the biggest mindset shifts I’ve had as a homeschooling mom is letting go of what I think they should read and giving them freedom to choose stories that actually peak their personal interests. Whether it’s sports novels, mystery stories, or animal facts, when kids pick what excites them, they’re naturally more motivated to read without a battle.
Of course, it can feel overwhelming (or expensive) to find books that match their interests and are age-appropriate. That’s why I’ve appreciated resources like the Bakken Books Summer Sale, which offers 20 quality books for just $100. It’s a practical way to refresh your home library, letting your kids explore different genres, topics, and series so they can discover what they truly love, without compromising the budget.
Or take a trip to your local library and make a whole day of it. Let your kids pick out any books that spark their interest, pack a lunch, and head to the park afterward. You could even stop for ice cream on the way home. The goal is to create as much joy around reading as possible, and the best part is, this is doable on any budget.
You don’t need a perfect plan to raise happy readers. Let your kids see you reading, celebrate small reading moments together, and give them the gift of choosing stories that speak to their interests. It’s one of the best ways to nurture confident and joyful readers while also preparing them for the approaching school year.
Also a friendly reminder from one mama to another on the same journey: Make sure to choose connection with your kids over perfection.❤️ You've got this!
