Does your child’s reading routine fall apart over school breaks? Whether it’s summer vacation, winter break, or long weekends, keeping kids engaged with books can be tough—but it doesn’t have to feel like homework!
In this episode of the Engaging Reluctant Readers Podcast, Ellen Westbrook shares easy, fun, and low-pressure ways to keep reading in your child’s routine—even when life gets busy. From travel-friendly ideas to screen-free entertainment and book-based outings, you’ll discover practical strategies to help your child stay connected to books without resistance or overwhelm.
What You’ll Learn:
✔ Why reading during breaks matters for confidence and skill retention
✔ Quick, low-pressure ways to fit reading into travel or busy days
✔ How to make family reading time fun and pressure-free
✔ Creative ways to connect books with outings, vacations, and real life
✔ Tools for caregivers, camps, and local library support
⏳ Key Episode Highlights:
[00:01:26] Why reading over breaks matters
[00:02:48] Books as comfort, escape, and everyday habit
[00:03:22] Start small – 10–15 minutes a day is enough
[00:04:03] Make reading a share experience
[00:05:34] Let kids choose what they read
[00:05:59] Gamify reading with easy challenges
[00:06:22] Connect books with real-life outings and travel
[00:08:56] Encourage kids to keep a travel journal
[00:09:21] Get caregivers and camps involved
[00:10:24] Tap into library and bookstore events for fresh ideas
📖 Prefer to Read? Full blog post: https://engagingreluctantreaders.com/2025/04/24/reading-during-school-breaks/
📺 Prefer to Watch? YouTube video version: https://youtu.be/oPTC3oAN8qw
✨ FREEBIE ALERT!
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It helps get this podcast out in front of more moms that need to hear it, so we can help more reluctant readers learn to love books and put an end to the nightly battles around reading!
Resources:
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