We all look forward to summer—a time for relaxation, sunshine, and a much-needed break from the school routine, so summer reading ideas may not be your student’s first thoughts. While the slower pace is definitely something to enjoy, many teachers and parents start to worry about how to help students hold on to all the learning they’ve gained throughout the year. If you’re looking for simple ways to keep young minds engaged, you’re in the right place! These 10 fun summer reading ideas are perfect for keeping reading skills fresh during the summer months.
Each idea is easy to implement, light on prep, and full of reading fun. Whether you’re sending home a summer packet, planning for summer school, or sharing ideas with families, these activities are great to share with your families and to sneak in a little learning while still letting kids enjoy their well-earned break. Let’s jump in!
Color by Number Reading Comprehension Activities for Summer
If you’re looking for something that’s both engaging and educational, this is it! My Summer Reading Color by Number packet includes 12 reading passages—6 fiction and 6 nonfiction—with multiple-choice comprehension questions. As students answer each question, they use a color key to reveal a fun summer-themed picture.
This activity is perfect for:
- Summer learning packets
- Homeschool reading time
- Independent work in summer school
- Screen-free quiet time
It’s one of those rare resources that kids love and teachers trust to reinforce real skills.
👉 Summer Reading Comprehension Color By Number Activities
2. Create a Summer Reading Ideas Bucket List
Have students create their own “must-read” list before the school year ends. Encourage them to choose a mix of genres: mystery, nonfiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and poetry. Not only does it give students ownership over their reading, but it also builds excitement for what they’ll read next.
3. Set Up a Summer Reading Routine
A little consistency goes a long way! Encourage students (and families) to build 15–20 minutes of reading into their daily schedule. It could be after breakfast, before bed, or during a quiet moment in the afternoon. Sending home a simple parent note with your suggestions can make all the difference.
4. Read Outside
Change up the setting to make reading feel fresh! Challenge students to read under a shady tree, in a hammock, on the front porch, or during a family picnic. A blanket and a few favorite books can turn any outdoor spot into a mini reading retreat.
5. Try Audio Books on the Go
Audiobooks are a great option for road trips, quiet afternoons, or bedtime. They count as real reading and are especially helpful for reluctant readers or students with learning differences. Local libraries often offer free access to audiobook apps like Libby or Hoopla.
6. Start a Summer Reading Journal
Encourage students to keep a reading journal where they write short reflections after each book or passage. Prompts could include:
- My favorite part of the story
- A character I’d want as a friend
- One thing I learned
This simple activity helps students connect more deeply with what they read.
7. Hold a Family Book Chat
Invite families to read a book together and talk about it over dinner. Even just a few discussion questions—“What surprised you? Who was your favorite character?”—can lead to meaningful conversations and boost comprehension.
8. Draw What You Read
After reading, students can draw a favorite scene, design a new book cover, or create a comic strip version of the story. These creative summer reading ideas don’t just make reading fun—they also support important comprehension skills like sequencing, visualization, and retelling. Activities like these are also a great way to bridge reading and writing, helping students process what they’ve read in a meaningful way. If you’re looking to dive deeper into how reading responses strengthen writing skills, be sure to check out my blog post: 5 Ways Reading Response Lead to Better Writing.
9. Explore Books from Around the World
Looking for summer reading ideas that also build global awareness? Encourage students to read stories set in different countries or written by authors from diverse cultures. This is a wonderful way to expand students’ understanding of the world while still practicing comprehension. Have them track the places they’ve “visited” on a map or jot down a sentence or two about what they learned from each story. It’s one of those summer reading ideas that combines learning with exploration!
10. Recommend a Favorite Book
This is one of my favorite summer reading ideas because it encourages students to share books and their reading! After finishing a great book, students can create a “Why You Should Read This Book” poster or flyer for a classmate, friend, or family member. Include the title, author, a short summary, and their personal rating. This not only builds writing skills but also makes reading social and fun—something we all want more of in the summer!
Finding meaningful summer reading ideas doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With just a few creative, low-prep activities, you can help students stay connected to reading all summer long. Whether you’re sending home ideas for families, creating a summer packet, or teaching summer school, these activities help build strong habits that will carry into the new school year.
👉 Want to make it even easier? Grab my Summer Reading Color by Number Resource [insert link here] and give your students a fun, screen-free way to practice reading comprehension while enjoying summer break!
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