Refresh, Relax, and Reflect: A Summer Literacy Guide for Educators

By Vincent Ventura & Shannon Hickey, LitLife

Vacation is here! Summer is yours to rest, recharge, and reset.  You need it and while you do, here's a gentle nudge to keep you connected and moving forward. 

One article. One podcast. One quiet reflection.

That's all it takes.

Let’s start thinking about ways we support every student on day one.

You don't have to overhaul everything this summer. Staying curious and zooming in on one strategy is enough to make a difference at start up. While you enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation, here are some quotes that we’re reflecting on as we move into the second half of 2026.

1. “Teaching reading is rocket science.” - Dr. Luisa Moats

   Our questions: What is something new that I learned about reading science this year? How is it present in my planning, instruction, or assessment?

   
   

2. “If a child is struggling to read, the question isn't what's wrong with the child – it's what's wrong with the instruction.”  - Dr. Timothy Shanahan

   Our questions: How is my instruction both explicit and systematic? How do I know when something is working or not? Are there any practices that I’m holding on to that I need to revisit?

   
   

3. “Reading is not a spectator sport.” - Dr. Anita Archer

   Our questions: How often and how well do my students participate? When students share, do they share just with me or do we all truly listen and learn from one another? Am I an active player in the Science of Reading or am I still watching from the sidelines? 

   
   

4. “Reading is breathing in; Writing is breathing out.” - Pam Allyn

   Our questions: Are students “breathing in and breathing out” every day? What am I doing to prioritize reading and writing as natural and vital acts, not just assignments or tasks?

   
   

5. “Students benefit when educators put aside personal philosophies and build bridges between the science of reading and the classroom.” - Nancy Hennessy

   Our questions: What am I doing in my classroom simply because it's how I've always done it? What does the bridge between science and practice look like in my daily instruction?

To expand this reflection, we invite you to join us for our free “LitLife Summer Splash” Literacy Institute. This live, virtual webinar-style professional development session includes a keynote from renowned educator and LitLife founder, Pam Allyn, and top tier presentations by LitLife International Director, Vincent Ventura, and LitLife CEO, Shannon Hickey.

Additional guest presenters include classroom teachers from the region who will share their practical implementation of the science of reading with multilingual students. Space is limited, so sign up today to reserve your place! 

Register Here

Want to chat about your school’s literacy initiatives? Schedule a free 30-minute chat with Vincent and Shannon by emailing info@litlifepd.com.