8 Holiday Reading Ideas for Schools | Keep Students Reading

By ePlatform Collection Management | Aug 28, 2025
Categories : Americas Asia Australia & New Zealand United Kingdom & Europe Tips & Tricks

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes | Last updated: June 2026

School holidays are a welcome break for students, but they often bring a challenge for teachers and librarians: how to keep reading habits alive outside the classroom. Without a plan, many students lose momentum and risk falling behind in literacy progress.

The good news is that a few simple strategies can make all the difference. By preparing before the break, setting up challenges, and involving parents, schools can turn the holidays into an opportunity for students to enjoy books on their own terms.

holiday reading for schools

In this guide, we will explore the most effective ways schools can encourage reading over the holidays, from practical setup tips to proven engagement strategies that work for every age group.

Key Takeaways

Preparing before the holidays makes it easy for students to access reading material without delays.
A curated reading list helps students discover books they are excited to read.
Reading challenges and fun activities can boost motivation and encourage participation.
Families, teachers, and librarians all play an important role in supporting reading habits outside the classroom.
Flexible formats, including Audiobooks and eBooks, help make reading more accessible for every student.
Celebrating reading achievements reinforces positive habits and builds momentum for the new term.

1. Make Reading Easy to Access
2. Share a Curated Holiday Reading List
3. Launch a Holiday Reading Challenge
4. Get Families Involved
5. Encourage Audiobooks During the Holidays
6. Share Teacher and Student Recommendations
7. Make Reading Fun
8. Celebrate Reading Wins When School Resumes
FAQs
Final Thoughts

1. Make Reading Easy to Access

The success of any holiday reading initiative starts with access. If students are unsure where to find books, how to log in, or what they might like to read, it becomes much harder to keep momentum going once the holidays begin.

Before the break, make sure students know exactly how they can keep reading. That might include borrowing books from the school library, taking home classroom readers, accessing a digital library, downloading eBooks or Audiobooks, or using a school-approved reading app.

A few simple reminders can make a big difference:

Check access: Make sure students know where to find books and how to log in to any digital reading platforms.
Make books visible: Highlight age-appropriate, high-interest titles before the holidays begin.
Promote flexible formats: Remind students that reading can include print books, eBooks, Audiobooks, graphic novels, decodable readers, and nonfiction.
Share instructions early: Give students and families clear steps for accessing reading material at home.

If your school uses ePlatform, this is also a good time to test a few student accounts, refresh featured titles, and remind students to download the free ePlatform app so they can read or listen anywhere, even offline.

A little visibility before the break goes a long way. Posters, assembly reminders, classroom announcements, and newsletter mentions can all help students head into the holidays confident and ready to read.

When students are faced with thousands of options, they often borrow nothing at all. A curated reading list removes that barrier by giving them a clear starting point.

Put together a short list of titles that balance fun, seasonal reads with curriculum-aligned choices. For primary schools, this might mean lighthearted stories and decodable readers that keep skills sharp. For secondary schools, think popular young adult novels, classics they will study later in the year, and nonfiction that ties into current topics.

Keep the list visible and easy to use. Add it as a featured collection in ePlatform, send it to teachers to share in class, and include it in the school newsletter. The more places students and parents see the list, the more likely they are to borrow from it.

The key is choice. A well-rounded reading list encourages reluctant readers to pick up at least one book while still offering advanced students the depth and challenge they crave.

3. Launch a Holiday Reading Challenge

A holiday reading challenge can give students a simple goal to work towards while they are away from school. It adds a sense of progress, encourages regular reading, and helps make reading feel more like a shared activity than an individual task.

The best challenges are easy to understand and flexible enough for different ages and reading levels. You might ask students to read a certain number of books, track minutes spent reading, complete a reading bingo card, or choose books from different genres.

A few simple challenge ideas include:

Reading bingo: Students complete squares such as “read outside”, “listen to an Audiobook”, or “read a book recommended by a friend”.
Reading passport: Students record each book they read and add a short rating or review.
Class or year-level challenge: Students work together towards a shared reading target.
Genre challenge: Students try books from different categories, such as mystery, humour, nonfiction, fantasy, or graphic novels.
Holiday Reading Champion: Students are recognised for participation, effort, or trying something new.

Promote the challenge before the break starts. Announce it in assembly, share it in class, and include it in newsletters or parent emails. You can also add a prize element, such as certificates, bookmarks, house points, or public recognition when school resumes.

The goal is not to reward only the strongest readers. A good holiday reading challenge should encourage every student to take part at their own level. When participation matters more than perfection, reading becomes more inclusive, more motivating, and much easier to sustain over the break.

4. Get Families Involved

Holiday reading is much easier to maintain when families know how to support it. Parents and carers do not need a complicated plan, but they do need clear information about what students can read, how they can access books, and what the school is encouraging over the break.

Before the holidays, send a short reminder to families. This could be included in a school newsletter, parent email, learning management system announcement, or printed note sent home with students.

Include the most useful details, such as:

Where students can find books during the holidays
How to access the school’s digital library, if available
Instructions for downloading any reading apps
A link to your holiday reading list or challenge
A reminder that Audiobooks, graphic novels, nonfiction, and shorter reads all count

The aim is to make reading feel achievable at home. Families are more likely to encourage reading when they know what options are available and how to help their child get started.

If your school uses ePlatform, this is also a good place to share the direct link to your library, app download instructions, and any login guidance specific to your school. You might also include your holiday reading list or challenge so families can encourage participation without needing to create anything themselves.

A simple message before the break can make a big difference. It removes uncertainty, keeps reading front of mind, and gives families an easy way to support students while school is out.

5. Encourage Audiobooks During the Holidays

Holiday reading does not have to mean sitting quietly with a printed book. Audiobooks can be a great way to help students stay connected to stories and information, especially when routines are different during the holidays.

For some students, listening is simply more convenient. Audiobooks are perfect for long car journeys, rainy afternoons, family holidays, or quiet time at home. They can also be a valuable option for reluctant readers, busy families, and students who prefer to learn through listening.

Audiobooks can be enjoyed:

During travel or long car rides
While drawing, building, or doing crafts
As part of a family listening experience
By students who struggle with traditional print books
Alongside the print version of a book to build confidence and fluency

The key is to remember that all reading counts. Graphic novels, eBooks, decodable readers, magazines, nonfiction books, and Audiobooks can all help students maintain literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading.

If your school uses ePlatform, students can access thousands of eBooks and Audiobooks from home, making it easy to continue reading wherever the holidays take them.

By offering students different ways to engage with books, schools can help ensure that more learners return to the classroom feeling confident, motivated, and ready for the new term.

One of the easiest ways to encourage reading is to help students discover books they might not have chosen themselves. Recommendations from teachers, librarians, and other students can spark curiosity and make reading feel more personal.

Before the holidays, consider asking staff members to share a few of their favourite books or create a display of "Teacher Picks". Students can do the same by recommending books they have enjoyed throughout the year.

Some simple ideas include:

Creating a "Teacher Picks" display in the library
Sharing book recommendations in assemblies or newsletters
Asking students to write short reviews of their favourite reads
Posting "What I'm Reading" photos on social media
Creating a "Top 10 Most Borrowed Books" list
Encouraging students to recommend books to friends

Recommendations do not need to be complicated. A short sentence about why someone enjoyed a book is often enough to inspire another student to give it a try.

If your school uses ePlatform, you can also highlight popular titles, staff favourites, or curated collections to help students discover something new before the holidays begin.

Students are often more willing to try a book when it comes with a recommendation from someone they know. A little enthusiasm from teachers, librarians, and fellow students can go a long way in helping reading habits continue beyond the classroom.

7. Make Reading Fun

Holiday reading doesn't have to feel like homework. In fact, the more enjoyable and flexible reading feels, the more likely students are to keep doing it.

Small activities can help students see reading as something to look forward to rather than something they have to complete. The goal is to create positive experiences that build lifelong reading habits.

Here are a few simple ideas schools can try:

Photo challenges: Ask students to share where they read over the holidays, such as in the garden, at the beach, on the sofa, or somewhere unexpected.
Book scavenger hunts: Encourage students to find books with certain covers, characters, settings, genres, or themes.
Book reviews: Invite students to write a short review or rating for a book they enjoyed and share it when school resumes.
Family reading nights: Encourage families to set aside one evening for shared reading, listening to an Audiobook, or talking about favourite books.
Reading recommendations: Ask students to recommend one holiday read to a friend, classmate, or teacher.

Remember that reading does not have to mean sitting quietly with a chapter book. Graphic novels, Audiobooks, magazines, nonfiction books, and decodable readers all count. Giving students choice helps make reading more accessible and enjoyable.

The most successful holiday reading initiatives are often the simplest. A little creativity and a focus on fun can help students return to school with positive reading experiences to share.

8. Celebrate Reading Wins When School Resumes

The effort students put into reading over the holidays should not go unnoticed. Recognition is what turns a one-time initiative into a lasting tradition.

When the new term begins, take time to celebrate participation. Highlight the most popular books borrowed, announce class or year-level achievements, and recognise individual students who reached their challenge goals. Certificates, bookmarks, or even a simple shout-out in assembly can make a big difference.

Celebration also reinforces the message that reading is valued across the school. When students see their peers being acknowledged, it builds positive momentum and encourages even more participation next time.

The goal is not to single out only the top readers but to create a culture where every student feels proud of their holiday reading effort. Ending on a high note helps set the tone for a strong start to the new term.

FAQs About Holiday Reading

Why is holiday reading important?

Holiday reading helps students maintain literacy skills, build confidence, and develop positive reading habits. Regular reading during school breaks can also help reduce the "holiday slide" and support a smoother transition back into the classroom.

How can schools keep students reading during the holidays?

The most effective approach is to prepare early. Create a holiday reading list, launch a simple reading challenge, and make sure families know how students can access books during the break. Combining structure with flexibility helps students continue reading in ways that suit them best.

Do holiday reading challenges actually work?

Yes. Reading challenges give students clear goals and a sense of achievement. They do not need to be complicated. Simple activities like reading bingo cards, genre challenges, or tracking books completed can help keep students engaged and motivated throughout the holidays.

Are Audiobooks good for holiday reading?

Absolutely. Audiobooks provide another way for students to enjoy stories and information, particularly during travel, family holidays, or quiet time at home. They can also be especially valuable for reluctant readers, busy families, and students who prefer listening to print.

What types of books are best for holiday reading?

The best books are the ones students genuinely want to read. A balanced mix of fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, Audiobooks, and curriculum-linked texts helps ensure every student can find something that matches their interests and reading ability.

What are some fun holiday reading activities?

Schools can encourage reading through activities such as reading bingo cards, reading passports, genre challenges, photo competitions, book reviews, and family reading nights. The goal is to make reading enjoyable and help students associate books with positive experiences.

How do parents fit into holiday reading?

Parents and carers play an important role in keeping reading front of mind. Simple reminders, shared reading time, and easy access to books can make a significant difference. Schools can support families by providing reading lists, access instructions, and ideas for encouraging reading at home.

How do you motivate reluctant readers during the holidays?

Giving students choice is one of the most effective strategies. Audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines, and nonfiction books all count as reading. Focusing on enjoyment rather than achievement helps build confidence and encourages students to read more willingly.

How can schools measure holiday reading engagement?

Schools can measure engagement in many ways, including participation in reading challenges, student feedback, book reviews, and borrowing statistics. Schools using digital libraries such as ePlatform may also have access to analytics that provide insights into borrowing trends and popular titles.

Final Thoughts

Holiday reading is not just about filling time between school terms. It is about keeping students connected to books, maintaining literacy habits, and reinforcing the idea that reading can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

When schools prepare early, provide clear access, offer flexible reading options, and involve families, students are far more likely to keep reading over the break. Teacher recommendations, reading challenges, Audiobooks, and simple activities can all help make reading feel more accessible and engaging.

The strategies do not need to be complicated. A curated reading list, a school-wide challenge, a family reminder, or a few student recommendations can be enough to spark meaningful participation.

For schools, the holidays are not a gap in learning but an opportunity to strengthen reading culture. With the right approach, every break can become a chance for students to discover new stories, build confidence, and return ready for the term ahead.