Beat the Summer Slide: Free Ways To Keep Kids Learning in San Diego County

Summer in San Diego County means sunshine, more time for kids to play, and a break from the school routine. But for many students, the months away from the classroom bring a hidden challenge known as the “summer slide,” a pattern of learning loss that can undo months of academic progress and literacy skills. 

At United Way of San Diego County (UWSD), we believe every child deserves the tools to succeed year-round. Childhood literacy is critical, but according to the 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, 71% of California’s 4th graders are currently not proficient in reading. This statistic is especially alarming because studies show that children who cannot read by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school (source). 

When children are empowered to read proficiently and graduate from high school, their entire world expands. They gain access to higher education, broader career choices, and greater financial independence. 

Helping students maintain these critical reading skills over the summer goes far beyond the classroom. It is a fundamental investment in their future and the foundation for a stronger, more equitable San Diego County. 

Let’s dive into what the summer slide actually is, what the research says about reversing it, and how we can all work together to support our community’s young readers.

The Reality of the “Summer Slide”

The “summer slide” is simply the term we use to describe the learning loss that occurs when kids are out of the classroom during summer break. It is a very real challenge, but understanding it is the first step to beating it. 

Here is what happens during those months away from school:

• Skills start to slip: Research shows that, on average, kids lose more than a month’s worth of the math and reading skills they worked so hard to build during the school year.
• Skill loss compounds: Every summer, learning loss compounds. The gap between where a child is and where they should be grows wider each year. By fifth grade, a child who experiences typical summer slide each year can be more than a full grade level behind peers who maintain their skills. By middle school, the gap becomes nearly impossible to close without intensive intervention (source).
• Some families are hit harder: This learning loss takes a much heavier toll on kids from lower-income families. When household budgets are tight, it is often harder to afford new books, summer camps, or paid educational programs. Because of this, kids with fewer resources often experience a greater decline in their reading abilities (source).
• Kids start the year a step behind: When children don’t have easy access to books or fun, engaging learning activities over the summer, they’re already at a disadvantage before the first bell of the new school year even rings. 

But this slide doesn’t have to happen! 

The Good News: Summer Reading Programs Actually Work

The summer slide is completely preventable! Research shows that fun, supportive summer reading programs can stop learning loss in its tracks and even help kids get a head start for the next school year. 

Here is what the studies tell us:

• Covering the basics works: A recent study looked at kids heading into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade who joined a well-rounded summer reading program. The kids practiced the building blocks of reading (like sounding out letters and reading smoothly), while also exploring new words. The results were clear: kids from all different backgrounds and income levels either kept their reading skills strong or made major leaps forward.
• Even short programs make a big difference: Another study looked at a 3-week summer tutoring program for kids from lower-income families. The children got one-on-one help, practiced recognizing everyday words, and read books that were just right for their age. In just three weeks, these kids became much better at spelling, sounding out words, and reading sentences correctly! 

The main takeaway? When we give our kids the right support and proven tools over the summer, we can keep them on track and set them up for a fantastic school year. 

How You Can Help Kids Avoid the Summer Slide 

You don’t have to be a teacher to help a child maintain their reading skills. Here are a few simple ways parents, caregivers, and community members can help kids avoid the slide (source):

Free Reading & Learning Resources During the Summer in San Diego County 

You don’t need a big budget or expensive tutors to keep your child’s reading skills sharp. San Diego County is full of incredible, completely free resources designed to support your family. Help is right in your neighborhood. For most of these, all you need is a free library card from your local library branch. 

• The San Diego County Library (SDCL) Summer Reading Program: The SDCL Summer at Your Library program is an annual initiative running from June 1 through August 31, designed for all ages to encourage reading and learning during the summer months. Participants can complete 10 books, hours of reading, or activities to earn prizes at any of the 33 branch locations. Visit https://www.sdcl.org/summer/ to learn more and register for free.
• Literacy Partners Free Workshops: Literacy Partners invites families to join free, fun workshops on Early Literacy, STEM, and the Science of Reading. You can learn simple, effective ways to support your child’s learning, strengthen your connection, and build school readiness. Participants may also receive free Spanish-language books and resources to enjoy at home. Email Cesar Del Aguila at cesard@literacypartners.org to learn more.
• We Strive for Literacy Free Tutoring: Give your child a boost this summer! If your K–5 student is struggling with reading, free tutoring is available to San Diego families. With evidence-based instruction, small-group or 1-on-1 sessions, and measurable results in weeks, your child can build confidence and skills. Virtual sessions offered—sign up today at https://westriveforliteracy.org/sign-up/. Limited spots available! For questions, you can contact Cortney Wallace at cwallace@westriveforliteracy.org.
• ABCmouse (online learning from home): ABCmouse.com is a hugely popular, award-winning educational website and app. It uses fun, interactive games, puzzles, and digital books to help kids build foundational reading and phonics skills. It’s the #1 digital learning resource for children ages 2-8+ (Pre-K through 2nd Grade). You can use ABCmouse completely for free — all you need is a library card. Create an account with your library card at sdcl.org/elibrary.
• Readalongs for Kids (online learning from home): Help your child improve their literacy skills this summer while enjoying the characters and stories they love. SDCL’s digital collection includes Readalongs for Kids, where a narrator reads the book aloud while the child follows along. Access the collection through the free app Libby or browse the Readalongs collection here. SDCL’s digital library is available from anywhere with just your library card.
• PBS KIDS Reading Games: PBS KIDS offers hundreds of free, curriculum-based reading games for kids ages 2-8 via pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games App. These games focus on phonics, word recognition, and spelling. You can view a list of their top literacy games broken down by age here.
• Ranger Rick’s DIY Reading Games: Building early literacy skills often looks like play. This list of 25 DIY reading games from Ranger Rick combines skill development with curiosity, creativity, and laughter. Most need only simple materials you might already have, and many take just 5-10 minutes.
• Little Free Libraries: Tucked into front yards, parks, and street corners across San Diego County, Little Free Libraries are small, publicly accessible book-sharing boxes often shaped like a miniature house. They operate on a simple premise: take a book, share a book. Little Free Libraries are part of a global nonprofit movement called Little Free Library, which encourages reading, builds community, and expands access to books for people of all ages. Find one close to you here.
• Library Summer Events: Libraries across San Diego County also celebrate with exciting community events throughout the summer. Enjoy special festivities, live performances, hands-on learning activities, and more! Visit the SDCL Events Page to learn more.
• Free Museum Tickets: Discover & Go is a program offered by your SDCL library that provides free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos, theaters, and other cultural destinations. You must meet your library’s minimum age requirement and live within your library’s service area to use the Discover & Go Service. If you have questions about your Discover & Go pass, please contact your local library for assistance.

How United Way and Our Partners Are Pitching In 

At United Way of San Diego County, we want every child to have the chance to shine. But we also know it takes a village to keep our kids learning over the summer! 

That’s why we team up with local schools, nonprofits, businesses, policymakers, and neighbors like you to make reading and learning fun and accessible for everyone. Here’s what we are doing together:

• Supporting Literacy Programs: Through our United for Literacy program, we work to support and strengthen the network of partners advancing literacy across San Diego County by facilitating collaboration through Taskforce meetings, raising awareness of the local literacy crisis among the general public and policymakers, and conducting research and providing evaluation support to help direct greater attention and resources to the field.  
• Distributing Books: Through book drives and community events, we hand out free books so kids can fall in love with reading at home. In the last fiscal year (2024-2025) alone, we provided books, school supplies, and STEM activity kits to 2,100+ children across 10 community events. 
• United for Literacy Task Force: While handing out books and funding local reading programs are vital first steps, true, lasting change requires a bigger lens. That’s why United Way of San Diego County’s special task force meets several times a year to explore new ways to collaborate across San Diego County’s literacy landscape. Beyond immediate, on-the-ground actions, this dedicated group is actively working to dismantle educational barriers and drive long-term, systemic improvements to build an infrastructure that ensures every child in our region has the resources to thrive, long after summer ends.
• Summer Learning for Teens: We also support summer learning through our Dream with STEAM program. High school students visit a number of local companies and organizations to explore different industries and meet professionals in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields. 

Join Us in Beating the Summer Slide & Building a Brighter County 

When we help a child fall in love with reading, we aren’t just helping them pass their next spelling test; we are setting them up for a lifetime of confidence and success. And when our kids succeed, all of San Diego County succeeds.

Want to help us beat the summer slide? You can support the work of United Way of San Diego County directly by:

• Making a gift today to support our work and programs.
• Signing up for our newsletter below to stay updated on our latest initiatives.
• Following us on social media to see us in action throughout the community.
• Sending this article to a friend or neighbor.

Together, we can make sure every student in San Diego County walks into their classroom this fall ready to take on the world.