How Summer Widens the Reading Gap for Struggling Students

Summer is supposed to be a break—a time for sunshine, play, and rest. But for students who struggle with reading, summer break can quietly become something more damaging: a time when the gap between them and their peers widens. Research shows that without the structure and stimulation of school, many struggling readers fall even further behind during the summer months. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.

The Research on Summer Learning Loss

According to a comprehensive analysis by the nonprofit NWEA, students lose an average of 20% of their school-year gains in reading over summer break. But the story is worse for students who already struggle. Additional research indicates that struggling readers are more likely to experience cumulative learning loss each summer, leading to a growing achievement gap that becomes harder to close over time.

This trend is often referred to as the “summer slide.” And for many children, it’s not just a slide; it’s a setback that reverses months of effort. The most impacted students are those who lack access to academic support, enrichment opportunities, or targeted interventions during the break.

Why Struggling Readers Don’t Just “Catch Up”

It’s a common misconception that struggling readers just need more time or extra practice. But research tells a different story. Studies show that students who are behind in reading in the early grades tend to remain behind, unless an intervention targets the root causes of their reading difficulties.

In other words, struggling readers aren’t just “late bloomers.” They often have underlying cognitive skill weaknesses—such as poor auditory processing, memory, or attention—that make reading much harder. Simply reading more during the summer, without addressing these cognitive gaps, doesn’t solve the problem. And as peers continue to progress, struggling readers often lose confidence and motivation, making future learning even harder.

Read More: The Dangers of Delaying Reading Intervention >>>

Close the Reading Gap: Turn Summer into a Season of Progress

Here’s the encouraging part: summer doesn’t have to widen the gap. It can close it.

At LearningRx, we use a one-on-one brain-based approach to reading help that targets the underlying cognitive skills needed for reading success. Our programs don’t just teach reading. They strengthen the brain’s ability to process sounds, focus attention, remember what’s read, and understand language. It’s a root-cause approach that goes beyond surface-level tutoring or repetitive practice.

Many families choose to begin brain training in the summer for a powerful reason: without the demands of school, kids can focus on strengthening their learning foundation. Instead of falling behind, they can make gains in the skills that are essential for learning so that they’re positioned for a more confident and successful school year.

Don’t Let Summer Steal Their Progress

If your child struggles with reading, now is the time to act. Let this summer be a turning point. Instead of falling behind, your child can gain ground and build the cognitive tools needed for lifelong reading success.

Contact LearningRx today to schedule a cognitive skills assessment & learn how our one-on-one brain training programs can help your struggling reader thrive.