Summer Learning Programs

Summer Learning

Accelerate K–12 Reading and Math Learning This Summer

As educators plan summer school interventions and instruction, addressing unfinished learning with quality, research-based reading and math solutions is a priority. Help is here with proven programs that accelerate students’ foundational skill growth in reading and mathematics for those struggling to reach grade-level goals. Keep students curious and attending class with the high-interest topics and engaging activities these products offer.

Kids smiling at table

Summer Learning Supports Long-Term Outcomes

By implementing effective learning programs, school district leaders can help mitigate learning achievement gaps, maximize knowledge retention, and support vulnerable students. Consistent learning helps students build on their knowledge year after year, leading to better long-term academic and social outcomes.

  • Prevent learning loss: Engage students in academic activities, ensuring they retain and build upon knowledge gained during the regular school year
  • Variety of activities: Keep students motivated and interested by providing a balanced mix of interactive, creative, and hands-on activities
  • Targeted support: Address individual student needs and help them overcome academic challenges
  • Structured programs: Offer a consistent and organized learning environment, helping students stay focused, and teachers make the most of their time

Summer Learning Solutions

Sound Partners
Grades (K–3)

Sound Partners is a research-based, supplementary tutoring program that provides individual instruction in phonics-based early reading skills. Through explicit instruction, engaging 30-minute lesson activities, and storybook reading practice, students work to improve alphabetic, phonemic awareness, decoding, word identification, and spelling skills.

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LINKS to Literacy
Grades (K–5)

LINKS to Literacy™ is a reading intervention program for developing readers in grades K–5. Based on the science of reading, it delivers systematic, explicit instruction in the five essential components of reading. LINKS to Literacy is designed for small-group intervention, includes flexible implementation models, and follows a consistent routine with engaging themes about art, science, technology, travel, personal reflection, courage, and resilience. This solution gives students more opportunities for practice and immediate corrective feedback.

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Vmath Summer Adventure
Grades (K–8)

Vmath® Summer Adventure is a research-based intervention that provides targeted instruction and practice for essential concepts and skills students may have missed in math. The modular structure allows for either 30 or 60 hours of instruction, and is flexible to meet your program's needs. The explicit, systematic approach of Vmath Summer Adventure ensures students learn essential skills and strategies to build a strong foundation in mathematics.

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REWARDS
Grades (4–12)

The REWARDS® suite is a powerful, research-validated program for adolescent students who struggle reading long, multisyllabic words and comprehending content-area text. With explicit, teacher-led instruction, REWARDS gives students the tools to improve fluency and comprehension to become successful readers.

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Related Resources

Brochure: Extended Learning
Brochure: Extended Learning, Tutoring, and Summer School Solutions

Flexible learning solutions are essential for students during out-of-session periods. Summer school, extended learning programs, and tutoring offer tailored approaches to address individual academic needs, providing opportunities for remediation, enrichment, and personalized support beyond the traditional classroom setting.

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Students at table with books
VSL Blog post: It’s Time! Start Your Summer School Preparation Now

It’s hard to believe it’s already time for educators and district leaders to begin planning for the summer months ahead. For some teachers, the summer time means a few well-deserved weeks off to relax and regroup. For others, it means tackling student learning outcomes head on as we help some of our most vulnerable students during summer sessions.

Read More
Girl using tablet with Reading Rangers Program
VSL Blog post: Short-Term Tutoring Supports Learning Gains

Knowledge loss during the summer between school years is well documented. A research study in 2020 revealed the average student loses 17 percent to 34 percent of their learning during a summer break. Reading gaps based on income also increased during the summer, as middle-class students showed improved reading skills while lower-income students experienced loss.

Read More
 
Voyager Sopris Learning
Supporting Literacy Development in Hawaii’s Students: A Path to Success
In Hawaii, many students face significant challenges when it comes to literacy, with some falling behind as much as two grade levels.
Read More

Tutoring Solutions

Tutoring Solutions

The Importance of Tutoring

Tutoring plays an important, supplementary role in supporting students at all grade levels through their academic journey, and helps them overcome challenges, achieve academic milestones, and become lifelong learners.

Tutoring solutions provide students with individualized attention and tailored support. In a one-on-one or small-group setting, tutoring can address the specific needs of each student, clarify complex concepts, and adapt teaching strategies to match individual learning styles. With a personalized approach, students’ understanding can be enhanced, as well as their confidence and motivation to learn.

Student giving the thumbs up

Tutoring Support for Students

Tutoring can be a powerful tool to enhance learning, boost confidence, and achieve academic goals. Whether it’s reinforcing existing knowledge, addressing challenges, or exploring new horizons, tutoring provides valuable support for students. Tutoring can support students in several key ways:

Reinforcement
Helps strengthen a student's understanding of previously taught material through additional practice and review.
Remediation
Focuses on addressing specific learning gaps or difficulties through targeted support in the areas where a student is struggling.
Enrichment
Advances a student beyond the curriculum to deepen their understanding, encourage critical thinking, and foster curiosity.
Individualized Attention
Creates a personalized learning experience for students to meet their unique learning needs.
LINKS to Literacy
Grades (K–5)

LINKS to Literacy™ is a reading intervention program for developing readers in grades K–5. Based on the science of reading, it delivers systematic, explicit instruction in the five essential components of reading. LINKS to Literacy is designed for small-group intervention, includes flexible implementation models, and follows a consistent routine with engaging themes about art, science, technology, travel, personal reflection, courage, and resilience. This solution gives students more opportunities for practice and immediate corrective feedback.

Try It Buy Now
Sound Partners
Grades (K–3)

Sound Partners is a research-based, supplementary tutoring program that provides individual instruction in phonics-based early reading skills. Through explicit instruction, engaging 30-minute lesson activities, and storybook reading practice, students work to improve alphabetic, phonemic awareness, decoding, word identification, and spelling skills.

Try It Buy Now
Vmath Summer Adventure
Grades (K–8)

Vmath® Summer Adventure is a research-based intervention that provides targeted instruction and practice for essential concepts and skills students may have missed in math. The modular structure allows for either 30 or 60 hours of instruction, and is flexible to meet your program's needs. The explicit, systematic approach of Vmath Summer Adventure ensures students learn essential skills and strategies to build a strong foundation in mathematics.

Try It Buy Now
Power Readers
Grades (K–4)

The Power Readers series is comprised of 28 decodable stories with pre- and post-reading skill-building activities. As stories progress, students work on the systematic building of phonological awareness, decoding and irregular word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, morphology, and comprehension.

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Supercharged Readers
Grades (1–4)

Supercharged Readers is a series of 37 decodable and controlled text chapter books. Building on the alphabetic code learned in Power Readers, it follows an intentional sequence that builds on syllabic and morphemic principles to help students access increasingly challenging text. It includes pre- and post-reading activity pages that give teachers the strategies to supercharge their readers.

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Michelle Elia
Struggling Readers in Ohio: What Can Be Done To Overcome the Reading Gap?
Educators across grade bands are committed to building students’ content knowledge in preparation for higher education, training, and successful post-secondary outcomes.
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Science of Reading

Science of Reading Books and Icons

The Science of Reading:
Unlocking the Power of Literacy

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What is the Science of Reading? 

The science of reading is an evidence-based approach to teaching and learning that draws upon decades of research in cognitive science, linguistics, and psychology. It aims to understand how the brain processes written language and identifies the most effective strategies for teaching reading skills.

Students reading at table
Brain Puzzle

Why is the Science of 
Reading Important?

Understanding the science of reading is crucial because it provides educators with insight into the most effective instructional methods. By aligning teaching practices with research-based strategies, we can better support learners in developing strong reading skills, comprehension, and language proficiency.

What are the 6 Key Concepts of the 
Science of Reading?

Phonemic Awareness

The ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken language, which is foundational for reading.

Phonics

The systematic instruction of letter-sound correspondences, enabling readers to decode and encode words.

Fluency

The ability to read with accuracy, speed, and prosody, allowing readers to comprehend text effortlessly.

Vocabulary

The understanding of word meanings and the ability to effectively use a range of words to express ideas.

Comprehension

The active process of understanding and making meaning from text, involving background knowledge, inferencing, and critical-thinking skills.

Language Development

The importance of oral language skills in supporting reading acquisition, including vocabulary, syntax, and grammar.

Phonemic Awareness: 

Phonemic awareness is a crucial skill that forms the basis for developing strong reading and spelling abilities. It is essential for understanding the alphabetic principle and facilitating effective phonics instruction.

Phonics: 

Phonics is the systematic and evidence-based reading instruction of letter-sound correspondences, enabling readers to decode and encode words. Understanding the relationship between letters and sounds ultimately allows learners to develop into proficient readers.

Fluency: 

Fluency is a skill that involves reading words accurately and quickly as well as incorporating expression and intonation to convey meaning. Fluent readers smoothly navigate written material because of their ability to accurately comprehend and engage with it.

Vocabulary: 

Vocabulary is defined as the comprehension of word meanings and the skill to proficiently use a variety of words to articulate thoughts. It is also fundamental to effective communication. Developing a robust vocabulary enhances expressive abilities and contributes significantly to reading comprehension and overall cognitive growth.

Comprehension: 

Comprehension is the dynamic process of actively understanding and deriving meaning from text. Effective comprehension instruction plays a crucial role in this process by guiding students to become independent, strategic, and metacognitive readers. 

Language Development: 

Language development is the development of strong oral language skills. It is a significant support to reading acquisition which includes vocabulary, syntax, and grammar.

FAQ: Science of Reading

What does the Science of Reading focus on? 

The science of reading is an approach to teaching reading that focuses on the systematic and explicit instruction of the six foundational literacy skills: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and language development. What sets it apart from traditional reading instruction is its reliance on rigorous scientific evidence and a well-established body of knowledge. While other methods may lack a systematic approach and scientific grounding, the science of reading offers evidence-based reading instruction that maximizes its impact in developing strong readers.

 

How does the Science of Reading benefit struggling learners? 

The science of reading benefits struggling learners by providing targeted support. Classroom teachers can identify specific areas of difficulty, implement focused interventions, and consider individualized instruction plans. This science-based reading instruction not only ensures a solid foundation in reading but also promotes a deeper understanding of language nuances and fosters critical thinking skills. By integrating scientific research into instructional methods, the science of reading empowers learners of any level with the tools to navigate a wide range of texts confidently and independently.

 

How does the Science of Reading address the needs of diverse learners? 

The science of reading is anything but a one-size-fits-all instruction method. This differentiated approach ensures each student receives targeted support in an inclusive and effective learning environment. Through personalized instructional strategies, such as multisensory activities, adapting materials to different learning styles, and providing additional support, students are positioned to progress at their own pace and maximize their reading potential.

 

What are some effective strategies for supporting emergent readers? 

As an effective classroom practice, teachers can support emergent readers by emphasizing phonemic awareness and phonics activities. Use engaging and decodable texts, provide ample opportunities for reading practice, and celebrate small successes to build confidence and motivation.

 

What instructional practices are associated with the Science of Reading? 

Instructional practices aligned with the science of reading include explicit phonics instruction, balanced literacy, comprehension strategies, and the development of foundational reading skills. These practices are designed to meet the unique needs of learners and enhance overall literacy proficiency.

 

Is there a recommended sequence for teaching fundamental reading skills? 

What are the stages of reading development? 

Reading development typically follows a progression similar to the following outline. These stages are, however, generalizations, and individual development can vary. Effective reading instruction supports students at each of these stages to ensure a strong foundation and continuous growth.
 
Emergent Reading: In this initial stage, young children are exposed to print and begin to understand that written language carries meaning. They may show an interest in books, recognize some letters, and understand basic concepts about print.
 
Early Reading (Decoding): As children develop phonemic awareness and phonics skills, they move into the early reading stage. They learn to decode words, associate letters with sounds, and start reading simple, decodable texts. Fluency and accuracy improve during this phase.
 
Fluent Reading: At this stage, usually in late elementary school, students are becoming skilled readers with increased speed and accuracy when it comes to comprehension. They can comprehend text more effortlessly, making the reading process more automatic. Vocabulary and comprehension skills continue to expand.
 
Orthographic Lexicon Development: While becoming fluent readers, students build their orthographic lexicon—a mental store of word spellings and patterns. They recognize words at a glance, enhancing their reading efficiency and overall proficiency.
 
Reading to Learn: In middle and high school, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. They tackle more complex texts across various subjects, extracting information, analyzing content, and applying critical-thinking skills.
 
Advanced Reading: As students progress through higher education and into adulthood, their reading skills become highly advanced. They can understand and analyze complex information, synthesize ideas, and engage with specialized texts in their chosen fields.

 

How are the 6 key concepts of the Science of Reading used in Instruction? 

The six key concepts of the science of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and language development—are integral components of science-based reading instruction. When taught together, each concept works to ensure learners are developed into well-rounded and effective readers. Here’s how they can be used in classroom instruction:
 
Phonemic Awareness: Phonemic awareness is developed through explicit and systematic activities that focus on recognizing and using individual phonemes (sounds). Teachers employ activities such as segmenting, blending, and manipulating sounds to help students grasp the fundamentals of spoken language, alphabetic principles, and phonics skills.
 
Phonics: Teachers guide students through systematic phonics instruction where they practice matching letters to sounds, blending sounds to form words, and decoding unfamiliar words. Additionally, phonics instruction often involves word games, phonics-based reading materials, and teacher-modeled examples to reinforce the connection between letters or letter combinations and their associated sounds. 
 
Fluency: Fluency is cultivated through reading practice with an emphasis on accuracy, speed, and expression. To learn this, students engage in repeated reading, guided oral reading, and modeled reading to enhance their ability to read with ease, expression, and comprehension.
 
Vocabulary: Vocabulary instruction emphasizes the understanding of word meanings and the effective use of a variety of words. Teachers incorporate explicit vocabulary instruction, context clues, and exposure to thorough and diverse texts to enhance students' word knowledge and usage.
 
Comprehension: Comprehension instruction involves teaching students to actively understand and discover the meaning of any given text. Strategies such as questioning, summarizing, making connections, and visualization are employed to guide students in comprehending and critically engaging with written material.
 
Language Development: Language development is supported by activities that enhance oral language skills, including syntax, grammar, and overall linguistic proficiency. Teachers integrate language comprehension and development into reading instruction by promoting discussions, encouraging expression, and cultivating a language-rich environment that complements the written aspect of literacy.
 
Students with Teacher at table

How Do I Begin Implementing the Science of Reading in 
My Classroom?

At Voyager Sopris Learning®, we provide resources and guidance about implementing the science of reading in educational settings. Our expert team and authors have curated a range of tools, strategies, and instructional materials that align with evidence-based practices, empowering educators in their professional development so they can deliver high-quality reading instruction through all grade levels.

Get Started on Your Science of Reading Journey

We offer opportunities for educators seeking to deepen their understanding of the science of reading with free webinars, blog posts, podcasts, and other content that include practical insight and strategies for effectively teaching reading skills based on the latest research.

Become a part of our EDVIEW360 community, where educators, researchers, and authors come together to share insight, best practices, and success stories. You will learn why the science behind learning to read is important for student success and how you can implement it in your school or district.

Connect with us through our blog and social media channels to stay updated on the latest advancements in the field and engage in meaningful discussions.

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Mary Dahlgren
Dr. Mary Dahlgren

Sound Walls in Your Classroom: The Pathway to Reading Fluency

Literacy and sound wall expert Dr. Mary Dahlgren will help you build a thorough understanding of how to use a sound wall, implementation tips, and more—everything you need to know and why.

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Pam Kastner, Ed.D
Dr. Pam Kastner

Phonemic Awareness and Letter/Sound Associations: Practices for Teachers

Join Dr. Pam Kastner for this instructional presentation exploring the research supporting phonological and phonemic awareness and the theoretical frameworks that underpin it.

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Hannah Irion-Frake
Hannah Irion-Frake

Building a Reading-Writing Connection in the Classroom

Teacher and science of reading advocate Hannah Irion-Frake explores the reading-writing connection and shares ways you can appropriately increase the amount of writing students do in your classroom.

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Dr. Anita Archer
Dr. Anita Archer
Dr. Louisa Moats
Dr. Louisa Moats

Why the ‘Science of Reading’ Needs the ‘The Science of Teaching’—A Conversation Between 2 Literacy Leaders

The science of reading refers to a vast body of multidisciplinary research providing a rationale for what must be taught to ensure almost all students can learn to read. But is this movement enough to develop more effective literacy instruction? Join us as our guests discuss why it may not be, unless teaching practices themselves receive more attention.

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Laura Stewart
Laura Stewart

How Handwriting Supports the Science of Reading

After taking a backseat in the education world for many years, handwriting is back. While assistive technology can help students with writing problems, it does not remove the importance of teaching explicit handwriting.

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Dr. Maria Murray
Dr. Maria Murray

The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement

Join Dr. Maria Murray as she explains why the science of reading is now regarded as a defining movement and addresses the need to protect the integrity of its findings so the promise of successful reading outcomes for our students can be realized.

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Unlock the Power of Literacy With the Science of Reading

At Voyager Sopris Learning, we believe every learner deserves the opportunity to become a confident and proficient reader. By embracing the science of reading, we can transform the way we teach and learn, equipping striving readers with essential literacy skills that empower them for a lifetime.

Girl Reading Book in Park

Ready to dive into the science of reading with aligned intervention solutions?

Backed by decades of literary research, our intervention and assessment products are all built and based on the science of reading. Explore our evidence-based solutions to intervene and provide essential diagnostic instruction for K–12 students who struggle with reading and literacy.

 
Reading
Voyager Passport

Research-Based
Reading Intervention
Grades (K–5)

 
Reading
LANGUAGE! Live

Intensive Literacy Intervention
for Adolescents
Grades (5–12)

 
Reading
REWARDS

Explicit, Short-Term
Reading Intervention
Grades (4–12)

Meet Our Reading Intervention Programs
 
Dr. Stephanie Stollar
Why Small Groups Work Best for Reading Instruction and Intervention: Part 1 of 2
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
An elementary teacher recently told me she felt like a ringmaster, trying to manage a three-ring circus!
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Hannah Irion-Frake
Targeting Intervention: Why More “Core” Isn’t the Answer
Thursday, June 05, 2025
As educators and district leaders shift their practices to align with the science of reading, data-driven instruction and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks are likely to become a part of the conversation. This is a good thing.
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Dr. Barbara Foorman
What Happened to Using Data to Inform Instruction and Intervention in Grades K–2?
Thursday, January 09, 2025
In recent years, it appears school leaders are less likely to administer early literacy assessments to inform instruction and intervention in grades K–2.
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Therese Pickett
Writing to Reading: Introducing Our New EDVIEW360 Podcast Episode With Dr. Steve Graham
Thursday, January 16, 2025
For many years, school district leaders have been learning about (and for some, implementing) the science of reading, yet not nearly as much time has been spent on the science of writing and how writing can improve reading skills.
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Voyager Sopris Learning
February Lunch and Learn Webinars With EdWeb
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Join us for an exciting week of informative and instructive webinars, featuring some of the most respected experts in writing education.
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