Bridging the Summer Gap: A Scoping Review of the Literature on Summer Reading Programs

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Bridging the Summer Gap: A Scoping Review of the Literature on Summer Reading Programs
Language: English
Authors: Pamela Beach (ORCID 0000-0002-4980-9447), Holly Crump
Source: Reading Research Quarterly. 2026 61(2).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Summer Programs, Reading Programs, Elementary Education, Skill Development, Motivation, Educational Research, Research Methodology
DOI: 10.1002/rrq.70092
ISSN: 0034-0553
1936-2722
Abstract: This article presents the findings of a scoping review of 32 empirical studies that examined summer reading programs in the elementary education context between 2014 and 2024. A five-stage framework for conducting scoping reviews was employed. In addition, a thematic content analysis was conducted, resulting in three main themes associated with the studies: (1) targeted programs, (2) focus on skill development, and (3) fostering motivation for literacy. The study contexts, research methods, and other relevant study characteristics are also reviewed and discussed. Findings from this review have implications for both practice, in terms of designing responsive and targeted summer reading programs, and theory, in terms of strengthening conceptual models that explain how targeted support, skill development, and motivation interact to influence literacy outcomes.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1503760
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:This article presents the findings of a scoping review of 32 empirical studies that examined summer reading programs in the elementary education context between 2014 and 2024. A five-stage framework for conducting scoping reviews was employed. In addition, a thematic content analysis was conducted, resulting in three main themes associated with the studies: (1) targeted programs, (2) focus on skill development, and (3) fostering motivation for literacy. The study contexts, research methods, and other relevant study characteristics are also reviewed and discussed. Findings from this review have implications for both practice, in terms of designing responsive and targeted summer reading programs, and theory, in terms of strengthening conceptual models that explain how targeted support, skill development, and motivation interact to influence literacy outcomes.
ISSN:0034-0553
1936-2722
DOI:10.1002/rrq.70092