The dismissal bell will soon ring on the 2024-25 school year. The end of the school year is a time for reflection and when discussions about the “summer slide” or “summer slump” begin.

These discussions may prompt concerns about regressions in academic skills gained throughout the school year — and what parents and caregivers can do to maintain these skills.

Although parents and caregivers should not be expected to deliver the same explicit, direct, systematic instruction at home as their children receive in school by trained educators (that is, clear, concise instruction that follows a pre-determined order based on research and attainment of prerequisite skills), there are ways that parents and caregivers can seamlessly continue to foster a love of literacy during the summer months.

Cultivating a love of literacy is a fundamental component and foundation for early literacy success. A love of literacy can increase motivation and engagement, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Fostering a love of literacy is an accessible and practical way for families to be involved in the process of early literacy development.

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