Top 5 Reading Habits to Build Over the Holidays (That Actually Work)
Summer is a time to unwind—but for younger readers, it can also be a time when reading confidence quietly slips away. That “summer slide” is real, and it can make the return to school in September feel tougher than it needs to be.
The good news? A little bit of reading—done right—goes a long way. Here are five simple, realistic reading habits that parents and children can build over the holidays to keep reading fun, stress-free, and effective.
1. Create a “Read Anywhere” Routine
Reading doesn’t always need to be at a desk or before bed. Encourage children to read:
- In the garden
- On long car journeys
- At breakfast
- In a shady spot at the park
Make books part of the everyday, just like snacks and sun cream! Keeping a book or e-reader in their bag means there’s always a chance to dive into a story—even for 5–10 minutes.
Why it works: It removes the pressure and helps kids see reading as something enjoyable, not just something “schooly.”
2. Let Them Choose (Even If It’s Silly or Slightly Gross!)
Graphic novels, joke books, fact books, football magazines—yes, they all count. If a child is choosing what they read, they’re more likely to actually do it.
Top tip: Visit your local library and let them pick out 3–5 books, no judgment. You might be surprised what catches their eye.
Why it works: Ownership = motivation. A book they love will get read more than one they’re “supposed” to read.
3. Build a Simple “Reading Tracker” (With Rewards!)
Create a fun tracker for each book or chapter read. This could be:
- A colouring-in chart
- A sticker reward system
- A paper chain that grows with each book
Add a small prize every 5–10 reads—a trip to the park, a new bookmark, or a treat of their choice.
Why it works: It turns reading into a game with visual progress, which helps build a habit through consistency.
4. Read Aloud Together—Yes, Even for Older Children
Many KS2 and even KS3 students still enjoy being read to. Choose a book you’ll both enjoy and take turns reading a few pages out loud each day.
You’ll be modelling fluency, expression, and vocabulary—all while bonding.
Why it works: It keeps reading social and helps boost comprehension through discussion and shared experience.
5. Talk About Books Like They’re Films
When a child finishes a book, ask them:
- What was the best part?
- Who was your favourite character?
- Would you recommend it to a friend?
Make books feel like stories worth talking about, not just assignments to tick off.
Why it works: Encouraging children to reflect on what they’ve read builds comprehension and emotional connection to books.
Final Thought: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect—It Just Has to Happen
Reading over the holidays isn’t about setting huge goals or finishing a library’s worth of books. It’s about gently keeping the brain ticking over, feeding imagination, and giving kids a head start for September.
If you’d like personalised support with reading, phonics, comprehension or confidence, our tutoring team is here to help—online or in person. Just drop us a message!
