Screens with Purpose: Fighting the Summer Slide with Intentional Literacy

We know screen time can be difficult to avoid, especially during the summer months when school is out and routines can become more relaxed. While it can be easy to feel guilty handing over the tablet or turning on a tv show, the truth is this, not all screen time is created equal. What matters is what your child is engaging with. When used intentionally, screen time can actually support early literacy and prevent the dreaded “summer slide”. 

What is the summer slide? This term references the learning loss that can happen when children are out of school for an extended period. Research shows that over the summer, students (especially in the early elementary grades) can lose significant ground in reading and other academic skills. But the good news is: it's preventable. And yes, you can even use screens to help.

While nothing can fully replace hands-on learning or working one-on-one with your child, there are literacy resources available that can help support your child's literacy skills. Incorporating just 15-30 minutes a day of high-quality literacy content can help bridge the gap between school years. If you are looking for a place to start, here are a few websites and tools we love that make screen time count, and keep your child on track academically over the summer. In addition to this, there are a few resources that can aid you in better understanding your child's literacy and how to best support them.

Toddler and Pre-K Literacy Resources:

Reading Rockets https://www.readingrockets.org/article/how-do-i-write-scaffolding-preschoolers-early-writing-skills	The article “How Do I Write…? Scaffolding Preschoolers’ Early Writing Skills” highlights the importance of early writing development. It outlines key stages such as drawing, scribbling, letter-like forms, and beginning sounds. This helps families understand what each stage means. Parents can use this resource to support their child’s writing through activities like journals, learning centers, and morning messages.
Reading Program Educational Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS5q9n2Pur0	This educational video from Reading Programs explains the building blocks of early literacy, including print and phonemic awareness. It emphasizes fostering a love of books and offers practical ways to build skills through fun activities like puzzles and letter coloring. Parents can use it as a helpful guide to support early literacy at home.
StoryPlace https://www.storyplace.org/	StoryPlace, created by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, offers a virtual library experience for preschoolers with story times, videos, and games. The bilingual site also includes book guides and tips for parents, including five simple ways to raise a reader like singing, talking, and playing.
StarFall https://www.starfall.com/h/index-kindergarten.php	Starfall is a kid-friendly site that teaches early literacy skills like ABCs, reading, and colors through games, songs, and activities. Its bright, engaging design uses positive reinforcement to make learning fun. Parents can access free resources like word cards, practice sheets, and posters through the parent tab.
Improving Literacy https://improvingliteracy.org/topic/beginnin-reading	The National Center on improving Literacy constructed this website to aid parents and children in teaching them how to begin reading. They include a variety of articles such as Alphabetic Principle and Phonics, Fluency with Text and Learning About Your Child's Reading Development. The site also includes bilingual articles that are accessible for parents and children to use as a guide. Parents can use the articles from this website to learn more about how to teach their child to begin to read and a variety of ways to engage their learning.

Elementary Literacy Resources:

PBS   https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/all-ages/literacy	This particular aspect of PBS offers literacy tools for kids ages 2–8, with age-specific resources in reading, writing, listening, and more. Parents can explore helpful articles, shows, and activities tailored to each developmental stage.
Seussville   https://www.seussville.com/#/home	Seussville features interactive games and activities inspired by Dr. Seuss’s books and characters. It also includes a book catalog, character guides, and parent resources to support reading and comprehension.
International Children’s Digital Library   http://www.childrenslibrary.org/	This global digital library offers books for Pre-K to 3rd grade in over 59 languages. Books are sorted by genre, theme, and format, making it a great resource for multilingual families and those looking to explore world cultures.
BookShare                                                  https://www.bookshare.org/cms/	Designed for children with reading challenges like dyslexia, visual impairments, or physical disabilities, Bookshare offers audiobooks, tools, and strategies to make reading accessible and enjoyable for all learners.
FunBrain                                                     https://www.funbrain.com/	FunBrain provides free access to age-appropriate books, games, and comics for Pre-K through 8th grade. Popular titles like Diary of a Wimpy Kid are available alongside educational games that promote literacy.

Summer does not have to mean setbacks. With the right tools and a little intention, screen time can be both educational and enjoyable. We hope these resources help your family make the most of the season!