Reading Struggles? Here’s How to Catch Up Before Summer

• May 24th
• 3 hours ago
• Summer Learning, Tutoring

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It’s almost summer. The sun’s staying out longer, the school year is winding down, and kids everywhere are daydreaming about beach days, video games, and popsicles. But for some parents, there’s a quiet concern gnawing in the background:

“My child is behind in reading. What can I do before summer?”

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.

Reading struggles are incredibly common, especially as students face bigger vocabularies, denser texts, and increased academic pressure. Maybe your child is still sounding out basic words while their classmates are diving into chapter books. Maybe they’re reading fluently but not understanding what they just read. Or maybe they’ve just decided they hate reading altogether—and every homework session is a battle.

Whatever the reason, the good news is this: there’s still time to catch up before summer. And even better? You don’t have to do it alone.

Let’s walk through some practical, doable steps to get your child back on track—with confidence, not pressure.

Identify the Root of the Struggle

Before you rush into a summer reading list or sign up for a program, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself:

Why is my child struggling with reading?

Reading issues come in many forms. It might be:

• Trouble decoding words (phonics/phonemic awareness) 
• Reading too slowly (fluency) 
• Struggling with vocabulary 
• Not understanding what they read (comprehension) 
• Lack of confidence or motivation 

Each challenge needs a different approach, which is why one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work.

This is where a reading tutor can be a game-changer. A good tutor won’t just assign more work—they’ll evaluate your child’s reading level and pinpoint exactly where support is needed.

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

When kids fall behind in reading, it’s easy for them (and us) to panic. They feel embarrassed, frustrated, or like they’re not smart enough. That’s heartbreaking—and completely untrue.

Reading isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress.

So celebrate every win. Did your child finish a book on their own for the first time? Did they correctly sound out a tricky word they’ve been avoiding? Did they read out loud in class—even if it was just one sentence?

Those are victories.

Create a small reward system. Maybe it’s a sticker chart. Maybe it’s ten minutes of extra screen time. Maybe it’s a special ice cream run. Whatever it is, let them see that effort matters more than getting it all right.

Make Reading a Daily Habit—In a Way That Works for You

Catch-up doesn’t mean cramming.

What it does mean is consistency. Think small but daily. Even 15–20 minutes of focused reading time each day can lead to big gains.

Here are a few easy ways to make reading part of your family’s routine:

• Read together before bed 
• Listen to audiobooks during car rides (yes, it still counts!) 
• Let your child read menus, signs, or instructions out loud 
• Start a “reading break” instead of screen time after homework 

And remember: comic books, graphic novels, and magazines count too. If your child loves Pokémon fact books or stories about dragons, run with it! The more they enjoy the material, the more they’ll want to read—and the more natural reading catch up becomes.

Support Their Confidence First

You know that moment when a child says, “I’m just not good at reading,” and your heart breaks a little? That moment matters.

Because at its core, reading catch up is just as much about rebuilding confidence as it is about teaching skills.

Children who struggle with reading often carry shame they don’t know how to express. They compare themselves to classmates. They avoid reading out loud. They assume they’re “behind,” and that feeling can shut down motivation faster than any challenging word ever could.

That’s why one of the most important things you can do is remind them:
“You’re not behind—you’re just on your own timeline.”

Speak encouragement. Be patient when they stumble. And when possible, work with a reading tutor who specializes in confidence-based learning.

Use the Spring Months Wisely

We get it—spring can feel chaotic. There are end-of-year projects, testing, field trips, and final grades looming. But in a lot of ways, this is the perfect time to start working on reading support.

Why?

Because you have just enough time to build momentum before summer hits.

Instead of waiting for school to end, use the next few weeks to:

• Evaluate your child’s reading level 
• Start short reading sessions each day 
• Sign up for summer reading support or tutoring 
• Choose a few fun, confidence-building books to kick things off 

This way, your child enters summer with a plan—not panic.

Create a Summer Reading Plan That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework

Ah, summer. The time of year when kids want to do anything but schoolwork. And we get it—they’ve earned a break!

But that doesn’t mean reading has to stop. It just needs to shift in tone.

Think of summer reading support as a bridge, not a burden. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Join a library summer reading challenge 
• Let your child pick three books they really want to read—and make a game out of it 
• Schedule weekly reading “picnics” or “campfire story nights” 
• Use tech: e-readers, educational reading apps, or story-based games 

The goal? Keep reading alive without the pressure of grades. By August, your child will be more prepared—and less anxious—about heading back to school.

Know When to Ask for Help

As parents, we do a lot. But sometimes, the best thing we can do is bring in outside support. And there’s absolutely no shame in that.

If your child is constantly frustrated, hiding their reading struggles, or avoiding reading altogether, it’s time to explore professional help.

A dedicated reading tutor can create a customized plan that meets your child exactly where they are—whether they’re decoding basic words or working on deeper comprehension. With personalized attention, accountability, and a friendly approach, tutoring can turn reading from a battleground into a breakthrough.

Groza Educational Center is Your Reading Partner

At the heart of every reading challenge is a capable, intelligent child who just needs the right tools—and the right team.

That’s where Groza Educational Center comes in.

With decades of experience, Groza specializes in reading catch up, confidence-building strategies, and summer reading support that actually works. Their tutors know how to connect with students on a human level, using patience, insight, and proven methods to unlock reading success.

Whether your child needs a little boost or major support, Groza offers personalized tutoring that makes a real difference—not just in reading levels, but in how students feel about themselves.

Summer is coming. And with Groza by your side, your child doesn’t just have time to catch up—they have time to soar.