The ONE Thing You Can Do This Summer That Makes a Difference in Your Kid’s Future!

Julieta Ortiz

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Most moms want to do anything they can to help their child have a better life. Every day, I help moms learn a secret, and I’m going to share it with you. It is pretty easy, and it will not only help your child feel special, but it has also been proven to make a difference in how well your child will do in the future.

Summer is for fun, and play is important. But did you know about the “summer slide?”

Studies show that children who don’t read over the summer can lose up to two months of learning. By the time school starts again, they may struggle to catch up, then start to fall behind in their new grade level. So school becomes harder each year. Then, when children aren’t reading at the right level, the learning gap can grow even wider.

In fact, studies have found that kids who aren’t skilled readers by third grade are four times more likely to be incarcerated later in life and 25% less likely to graduate from high school on time.

But there’s good news!

Reading just 15 minutes a day can help kids stay on track, even improve their skills, and get ahead.

Why Reading in Summer Is Important
Reading helps children grow their vocabulary, understand new ideas, and become better learners. When kids stop reading, they forget the words and skills they worked so hard to learn.
By keeping their minds active, they can start the new school year strong and confident. Kids who read regularly do better in school, and those who don’t may fall behind.

Reading Together as a Family
Reading with family makes a big difference! When kids see their parents enjoying books, they want to read too. Talking about books builds understanding and brings families closer. Kids who are read to at home do better in school and feel more excited about learning.

Even if you are separated from your children, you can read with them through phone calls or video calls or visits. Take 3-5 minutes to read to them over the phone. It will make an impact.

Tips to Make Reading Fun

  1. Let Kids Pick – Let them choose books they love, such as adventure stories, comics, or picture books.
  2. Set a Reading Time – Read at the same time each day, like before bed or after lunch.
  3. Read Aloud Together – Even older kids enjoy being read to! It helps with listening and learning new words.
  4. Create a Cozy Spot – A comfy place with pillows and good light makes reading feel special.
  5. Visit the Library and Join Reading Programs – Libraries have free books and fun summer reading programs. Being part of organizations that offer free reading programs can also provide kids with extra support and motivation to keep reading.
  6. Try Bilingual Reading – Reading in two languages helps kids become stronger readers and learn new words in both languages.
  7. Use Audiobooks – Listening to stories helps kids improve comprehension and pronunciation while making reading more enjoyable.
  8. Make Reading Interactive – Act out stories, draw pictures about books, or have kids retell the story in their own words.
  9. Start a Reading Challenge – Set a goal for how many books your child can read over the summer and celebrate their progress.
  10. Be a Reading Role Model – When kids see parents reading, they are more likely to develop a love for books too!

Reading in the summer isn’t just about school—it’s about giving kids the best chance to succeed! When families make reading a habit, kids stay sharp, grow their imagination, and build confidence. Let’s fill this summer with stories, learning, and fun. A few minutes of reading each day can change a child’s future!

Julieta Ortiz’s current two jobs at One Community Arkansas make her one busy lady. She and her team work to bring communities together through bilingual literacy and leadership programs, PTLA, Parents Taking Leadership Action. Julieta is also a proud USMC Veteran.
Dig Deeper with Questions & Action Steps
I Reach Up
  • Do you like to read?
  • What kinds of things do you like to read?
  • What do you remember about reading as a child?
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