Summer Reading Loss: The Hidden Struggle for Kids with Learning Differences

Why summer support isn’t optional for struggling readers—and what to do about it

Every summer, millions of students lose ground in reading. But for kids with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences, the slide is much steeper—and the effects can be devastating.

Research shows that children with language-based learning challenges can lose up to three times more reading skillsthan their peers over the summer months. And it’s not just about academic regression—it’s about confidence, motivation, and emotional health.

Let’s talk about what really happens over summer break—and how to stop the spiral before it starts.

The Summer Slide Hits Differently for Kids with Learning Differences

For students who struggle to read, summer isn’t just a break—it’s a brain drain. Without structured support, these kids lose progress in fluency, comprehension, and stamina at a much faster rate than their classmates.

And when fall rolls around, they’re not just behind—they’re discouraged. They walk into a new school year feeling defeated before the first assignment hits their desk.

This is what we call the confidence crash—and it’s one of the biggest reasons kids give up on reading entirely.

What Actually Works Over Summer

Let’s be clear: handing your child a traditional summer reading list and hoping for the best doesn’t cut it—especially for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or executive function challenges.

Effective summer support needs to be:

✅ Dyslexia-informed

✅ Built for consistency (not just one-off sessions)

✅ Engaging—with material that’s actually enjoyable

✅ Customized to your child’s learning profile

✅ Strength-based—focusing on what your child can do while strengthening areas of need

Why Traditional Summer Reading Lists Fail

Most summer reading lists are designed for fluent readers. They assume students can independently decode grade-level text, track storylines without support, and read for long stretches of time.

But struggling readers need more than just access—they need scaffolding. That means strategic vocabulary instruction, direct fluency work, comprehension coaching, and positive reinforcement.

Without that support, summer reading becomes a chore—or worse, a reminder of what they "can’t" do.

Meet Rise & Read: A Summer Solution That Works

At Greater Writing Tutoring Service, we created Rise & Read for this very reason.

It’s a 6-week, dyslexia-informed summer reading and writing intensive designed to help students maintain gains, build confidence, and start the school year strong.

✔️ Two live group sessions per week

✔️ Vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension focus

✔️ Progress monitoring using tools like ReadTheory

✔️ Writing assignments with personalized feedback

✔️ Mini-lessons on executive function skills

✔️ Parent updates and strategy tips

✔️ Virtual and accessible from anywhere

Rise & Read isn’t a bootcamp—it’s a breakthrough. It's about creating positive momentum for kids who are used to struggling, and giving families the support they’ve been praying for.

Don’t Wait Until Fall to Intervene

If your child is already behind in reading, summer isn’t time off—it’s a window of opportunity.

Let us help you make the most of it.

📍 Spots for Rise & Read are limited, and they fill fast.

📞 Schedule a free consultation at GreaterWritingTutor.com

📬 Or email us directly at info@greaterwritingtutor.com

Let’s make this the summer your child rises.