For many secondary pupils who struggle with reading, the school holidays can feel like a step backwards. Without routine or support, confidence can dip and gaps can widen.
But supporting reading over the holidays doesn’t need to look like school.
Why holidays matter for struggling readers
Secondary pupils with reading difficulties often:
- Avoid reading outside of school
- Associate reading with failure or pressure
- Have gaps in phonics and fluency that need regular reinforcement
Long breaks without practice can undo hard-won progress – especially for pupils with SEND or those in Alternative Provision.
What actually helps over the holidays
Holiday support should be light-touch, low-pressure and consistent.
The most effective approaches include:
- Short, regular reading sessions (10–15 minutes)
- Age-appropriate texts that don’t feel babyish
- Revisiting phonics and decoding, not just comprehension
- Digital resources pupils can access independently
Little and often is far more powerful than trying to “catch up” in one go.
Keeping reading shame-free
Many secondary pupils have spent years hiding their difficulties. Over the holidays, it’s vital that reading:
- Feels private
- Feels achievable
- Feels safe
When pressure is removed, pupils are far more likely to engage.
The holidays don’t need to be a setback.
With the right support, they can be a chance to strengthen foundations, build confidence, and return to school ready to move forward 🌱