As the new school year gets underway, educators face a common challenge: overcoming the summer reading dip and regaining momentum.
Research shows that students can lose between one to three months of reading skills over the summer break. For struggling readers, reluctant learners, and students with learning differences like dyslexia, this seasonal loss isn’t just a minor bump in the road; it can derail momentum and damage academic confidence before the school year even begins.
At Learning Ally, we believe every child deserves the tools to get on the path toward reading independence. That’s why we’re kicking off the school year with Race to Read, an exciting initiative designed to build lasting reading habits, foster engagement, and turn seasonal learning dips into a yearlong streak of reading success.
Plus, this year, our mission is taking on an iconic new stage: Learning Ally is an Official Charity Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon!
Here is how you can help your students bridge the reading gap, gear up for the challenge, and support literacy for all learners.
Bouncing Back from Summer Reading Loss
When school is out, many students experience a decline in reading skills, decoding ability, and vocabulary development. Rebuilding that reading stamina for the new school year doesn’t require rigid tutoring; it starts with consistent, micro-reading habits and accessible content.
Thousands of students spent the break doing just that through our Summer Reading Together program. As that summer journey wraps up, those readers are entering the classroom with renewed confidence. But summer shouldn’t be the only time reading feels engaging.
To keep that momentum going into fall, Learning Ally is launching our next big initiative: Race to Read.
By giving students access to human-read audiobooks with highlighted text through the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution, readers with dyslexia or print disabilities can tackle grade-level stories, build vocabulary, and head toward reading independence all year long.
Welcome to the Race to Read Challenge!
To help educators and families start the school year on a winning streak, Learning Ally presents the Race to Read challenge! Running from August 31 to October 30, this no-registration-needed event motivates students to take their mark, press play, and build consistent reading habits.
Why Join the Race to Read Program?
- Zero Registration Friction: If you are already using Learning Ally, you’re ready to run! Just take your mark and start logging reading days.
- Free Support Resources: Access grade-level book recommendations, choice boards, reading punchcards, progress trackers, and certificates to keep students engaged.
- Exciting Rewards:
- For Schools: Schools with at least 10% student participation who read for 5+ days during the challenge window will be entered to win a class set of earbuds!
- For Home Members: Individual members who read for 5+ days in the platform will be entered to win a personal set of earbuds!
Whether you’re a teacher setting up classroom goals or a parent building a bedtime routine, Race to Read makes daily reading effortless and rewarding.
Taking the Marathon Further: Team Learning Ally at the TCS NYC Marathon
Running a marathon requires perseverance, stamina, and resilience—the exact same qualities demonstrated by the 1 in 5 students who read differently.
On November 1, 2026, Team Learning Ally will take on the iconic 26.2-mile journey through all five boroughs of New York City. As an official charity partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, our team of dedicated runners is raising vital funds to bridge the literacy gap and transform outcomes for students with dyslexia across the nation.
Every mile logged on the streets of New York directly fuels our mission to provide equitable access to our library of more than 75,000 human-read audiobooks, professional development for educators, and family support systems.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Whether at home, in the classroom, or on the streets, every step brings us closer to a world where all students can succeed. Here is how you can get involved today:
1. Start the Reading Race
Kick off the school year with momentum! Dive into book lists, download printables, and log your reading days in the Learning Ally Audiobook Solution. 👉 Join the Race to Read Challenge
2. Fuel the NYC Marathon Mission
Support our marathon athletes or run for dyslexia! Every dollar raised supports critical literacy tools and resources for students who read differently. 👉 Support Team Learning Ally at the NYC Marathon
