How Do I Keep My Students Reading After They Leave My Classroom?
As teachers, we pour our energy into helping students grow into strong, confident readers. So it’s tough on our teacher’s heart to watch those gains fade over a few months away from school. Supporting students’ reading lives after the school year wraps up is so important (also why building that momentum before they leave our classrooms is so crucial).
Maybe you’re lying on a beach, or curled up on the couch reading this post, perhaps you’re running summer programs and reading camps? Either way, I know your head is spinning trying to figure out how to get the right book in the right hands to keep reading alive!
Today is your lucky day! I’ve put together a gold mine of book suggestions to help you do just that. These are titles that celebrate growth, spark curiosity, and give students the kind of stories they’ll want to keep reading.
Picture Books With Heart
Picture books aren’t just for primary grades. The big kids love them, too! They can bring your classroom community together, bring joy to your summer reading group, or spark conversation! If you’re planning ahead for next year or focusing on the “now” and looking for a meaningful read-aloud during summer programming, these titles are perfect!
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
A sweet, moving story about memories and aging that’s perfect for discussions about growth and time.
The Old Woman Who Named Things by Cynthia Rylant
My personal go-to every year. I’d tell my students: no matter how many kids I teach, I love each and every one of them!
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
This book is a beautiful reminder that progress doesn’t always happen overnight. A perfect encouragement for students still finding their confidence or struggling with difficulties in life.
Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss
This timeless classic never misses. You can also try a unique twist with my reader’s theatre version (great for summer enrichment programs!)
One Chapter Can Change Everything: The Power of a Book Preview
Have you ever thought about reading just one chapter of a book aloud to your class or group? It’s a simple, time-saving strategy that packs a surprising punch! Transitional times like the end of the year or summer sessions are ideal for this strategy. Instead of rushing through a whole novel, try reading the first chapter of several different books to expose students to a range of genres, voices, and stories.
This technique is great for:
- Summer reading programs
- Reading camps or workshops
- Book tastings or classroom libraries next fall
- Sparking excitement in even your most reluctant readers
Here’s why it works:
- Time-saving: A single chapter fits neatly into your schedule and is a great (educational!) time-filler.
- Genre exposure: Students get a taste of different genres—realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction—and may discover something new.
- Student choice: Giving students a preview helps them choose books that truly interest them.
- Built-in cliffhangers: Most first chapters are crafted to hook readers. Once they’re intrigued, many students will want to finish the story on their own.
Reading just one chapter can be the difference between “reading is boring” and “I have to know what happens!”
Let me take the guesswork out for you! Here are a few great titles to start with:
Realistic Fiction
- City Spies – James Ponti
- Wrecker – Carl Hiaasen
- Turtle in Paradise – Jennifer Holm
- The Penderwicks – Jeanne Birdsall
- Summer of the Gypsy Moths – Sara Pennypacker
Fantasy
- The One and Only Family – Katherine Applegate
- Impossible Creatures – Katherine Rundell
Historical Fiction
- The Lost Year – Katherine Marsh
- A Divided Night – Jennifer Nielsen
Final Thoughts + A Quick Note for Teachers
Supporting students’ reading journey doesn’t have to mean an elaborate summer program or expensive materials. Sometimes, it starts with a meaningful story, a chapter full of promise, or a simple nudge in the right direction.
Looking for more resources to help build a love of reading? My Teachers Pay Teachers store is filled with tools and ideas to support you all year long—including low-prep activities, book companion guides, and classroom favorites. While summer can be a quiet time for curriculum, there’s still plenty to explore and prep for the year ahead.
Whether you’re easing into your summer or already planning for next year, keep sharing stories, offering choices, and believing in the power of books. Because you never know which one will be the one.
