Summer Reading: It Matters for Everyone!

SUMMER READING: It Matters for Everyone!

Head’s Message by Dr. Jenn Milam

Summer is a time for sunshine, adventure—and keeping our minds engaged! Whether you're a student, a parent, or just someone who loves a good story, summer reading is more than just a seasonal pastime. It’s a powerful way to stay mentally active, expand our imagination, and build lifelong habits.

For students, reading over the summer helps prevent the “summer slide,” where academic skills can slip during the break. Just 15–30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in maintaining reading comprehension and vocabulary growth.

For neurodiverse learners, summer reading can be especially important. Consistent exposure to language, storytelling, and structure supports learning routines, eases transitions, and reinforces literacy skills in a low-pressure environment. Choosing books that match a learner’s interests and using formats that fit their needs—like audiobooks, graphic novels, or read-alouds—can make reading more accessible and enjoyable.

This year, all Winston students in grades 4-12 will have an assigned, shared summer read. With this text, students will be given a choice board from which to choose an extension activity to complete prior to returning to school.  Additionally, students will be asked to select one or two additional texts, of their choosing, to read over the summer. 

All Winston students will have access to Learning Ally for those who need audio support while reading. Of course, students are also welcome to use Audible or other audiobook platforms, as they choose. 

Reading is a healthy way to reduce screen time. With so many hours of summer often spent in front of TVs, phones, and tablets, picking up a book gives our eyes and minds a break from constant stimulation. Creating dedicated time for reading helps develop focus, creativity, and calm—all essential for mental well-being. 

And remember: kids learn by watching (and listening)! When adults model reading—whether it’s a novel, newspaper, or cookbook—it sends a powerful message that reading is valuable, enjoyable, and a lifelong skill. Shared reading time, book chats, and quiet reading alongside children help build positive associations with books that last far beyond the summer months. 

I also always encourage parents to read the same book as their student, at the same time or do a shared read aloud where each of you takes turns reading a page! This allows you to have a great discussion about a good book and helps to build understanding, comprehension, and extend more complex skills like inference and drawing conclusions! 

Summer reading assignments and books will be handed out as we get a little closer to summer! Happy reading!