Summer is when kids take a break from everything — school, activities, even hobbies.
But what are the consequences of this kind of full-on rest?
Unfortunately, studies show that over the three months of summer break, kids can lose up to 20% of what they learned during the school year. And that’s not all.
Their overall academic skills tend to decline. Without regular practice, children may fall behind in writing, math — and especially reading.
But there’s good news: If your child continues to practice just one skill over the summer, their brain stays active and their learning stays intact.
The conclusion is simple: the brain needs regular stimulation. Even something small makes a difference.
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to keep the brain in shape is through reading. That’s exactly why many schools assign summer reading: so kids don’t return in September as if it’s the first day of school all over again.
Why Should Kids Read During the Summer?
Here are 5 powerful reasons:
1. Keep the brain active and avoid forgetting everything over summer
Researchers call it the “summer slide”. Reading in Russian just 15–30 minutes a day helps preserve grammar, vocabulary, and overall literacy. It also helps your child return to school feeling ready and confident.
2. Boost imagination and creative thinking
Modern kids spend a lot of time on screens — where everything is visual, fast, and easy. Books, on the other hand, ask children to imagine what they read: the characters, scenes, and emotions. This is a powerful way to build creativity and imagination.
3. Improve focus and attention span
During the break, many kids forget how to learn. Social media and short-form videos train them to expect quick content. Reading builds focus and patience, helping them stay engaged with longer and deeper stories.
4. Discover new interests — or even a future path
Books are more than entertainment. They’re windows into different cultures, time periods, professions, and values.
Summer is the perfect time to explore other worlds. Who knows? Your child might discover a lifelong interest — or even a future career path — through one great book.
5. Strengthen family bonds
Reading, especially in the summer, should never feel like a chore.
Don’t make it a rule — make it interesting. Offer books on topics your child already loves, and explore something new together. That’s how real curiosity grows.
For Bilingual Children, It’s Even More Important
Summer reading in Russian helps bilingual kids maintain their grammar, vocabulary, and language fluency — even when they’re off school.
At Palme School, we’ve already shared some favorite summer reads, like the magical stories of Pavel Bazhov and the adventures by Joanna Chmielewska — perfect for curious young readers.
We’ve prepared a complete Russian summer reading guide for bilingual children, sorted by age.
We’ve prepared a complete Russian summer reading guide for bilingual children, sorted by age. Fill out a short form below — and we’ll send it straight to your inbox!
