Summer Storytime Challenge: A Fun Way to Boost Your Toddler's and Preschooler's Language Skills This Summer
- Jess | Stories to Speech
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
The “Summer Slide” Isn’t Just for Big Kids—Here’s What It Looks Like in Early Childhood
When people hear “summer slide,” they usually think of forgotten math facts or lower reading levels. But for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, summer can impact something just as important: speech and language development.
Without the routines of daily learning, interaction, and reading, many young children experience:
Fewer new words
Less interest in books or conversation
More tantrums due to frustration
A bumpier return to school or structured learning in the fall
A Speech-Language Pathologist’s Simple Solution: Storytime, Every Day
You don’t need special flashcards, worksheets, or long lessons to help your child’s language grow.
All you need is a book, a little intention, and a few minutes a day.
That’s why I created the Summer Storytime Challenge—a free 7-day experience to help families build meaningful connection, boost their child’s speech skills, and actually enjoy reading together.
What’s Included in the Free Summer Storytime Challenge
The challenge includes:
✅ 7 simple, daily prompts
✅ A printable tracker (great for visual progress!)
✅ Optional email check-ins for motivation and reminders
✅ Bonus book suggestions by age and language stage
✅ Encouragement from me—Jess Fernandez, M.S. CCC-SLP and mom of two
You can start any time between now and Labor Day. And you don’t have to be perfect. Just consistent. 💛
Plus… a Chance to Win One of Two $77 Prizes!
To celebrate the challenge, I’m hosting a “Twice is Nice” Giveaway for local families. Two participants will be chosen at random to win:
🎁 A $77 gift card to Words Bookstore in Maplewood
🎁 A $77 gift card to Book House in Millburn
🧺 Or choose a custom-curated book basket from me based on your child’s age, interests, and communication goals
How to Join the Challenge + Enter the Giveaway
Here’s how to join the Summer Storytime Challenge and enter to win:
Start here 👉 Click to view Day 1 on Instagram
Follow me @storiestospeech
Tag 2 friends in the comments of the post
Comment your prize preference:
A $77 gift card for you to choose your own books
A personalized book bundle chosen by me
Then, simply follow along for 7 days in a row and complete each daily storytime prompt.
🕒 They’re quick and easy—designed to fit into real life: morning snuggles, after lunch, bedtime... wherever reading fits into your rhythm.
📥 Want a printable tracker or daily reminders to help you stay on track?
DM me on Instagram,
or simply drop me a note here and I’ll send everything straight to your inbox—no treasure hunt required. 💌k
Start Now and Make This Summer a Season of Growth: You Can Boost Your Toddler's and Preschooler's Language and Learning Skills.
This challenge is for you if you’re a parent or caregiver who wants to:
Support your child’s speech and language in a playful, easy way
Give a summer language boost for your toddler or preschooler
Build stronger bonds through books
Feel empowered to help your child communicate and connect
📖 Want practical strategies to get started right now?
Check out my blog post: 5 Simple Ways to Use Books to Boost Your Child’s Speech This Summer (insert link here)
📍Learn more about me and my work with families in NJ & NY: Visit the Stories to Speech homepage
Let’s Make This a Summer of Connection, One Story at a Time
Have questions about speech delays, storytelling, or how to start the challenge?Reach out: drop a not here Follow along and DM me on IG: @storiestospeech
💌 I’d love to cheer you on!
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