Summer Slide is not Florida’s latest attraction, but a name for the learning loss that occurs during the summer months for students without enriched summer activities.

Research shows that children can lose up to three months of reading skills during the summer without enriched activity. By the end of elementary school, they may be more than two years behind their higher income peers due to Summer Slide (without intervention).

Along with our friends at United Way Suncoast and United Way of Manatee County, Weiss Pediatric Care is helping to raise awareness of the importance of summer learning with the Summertastic Reading Pledge.

How You Can Help  

1)    Take the pledge to read with a child in your life 20 minutes a day.

You’ll not only enjoy some great quality time with them, but you’ll also help them get a leg up for school. Plus, you’ll receive a weekly email with tips and resources to make keeping your pledge a piece of cake.

2)    Spread the word

SHARE the pledge link on Facebook, Twitter or email to get more people involved.

Working together, we can raise awareness of how important it is to read with children over the summer and help children we know and love have a Summer-tastic summer!