Summer Reading Support: How Apps Like TTRS and Nessy Can Help Strengthen Reading GrowthSummer can be an incredible time for reading growth or a time when struggling readers quietly lose hard-earned progress.Many parents notice that during the school year their child is making slow but steady gains, only to return in the fall having lost confidence, fluency, spelling skills, or reading stamina. For students with dyslexia, ADHD, language-based learning differences, or foundational reading gaps, consistent practice matters.At BookBloom Literacy, I often encourage families to think about summer reading support in layers. The strongest growth happens when students receive explicit, systematic instruction through structured literacy intervention paired with targeted practice at home.That is where programs like TTRS (Touch-type Read and Spell) and Nessy can be incredibly helpful.Why Structured Literacy MattersStudents with reading difficulties typically need more than exposure to books or traditional reading apps. They benefit from instruction that is:

This is the foundation of Orton-Gillingham and SLANT structured literacy instruction.Apps alone are not enough to remediate reading difficulties. However, when used alongside individualized intervention, the right tools can reinforce skills between sessions and help accelerate growth.TTRS: Touch-type Read and SpellTTRS combines typing, phonics, spelling, and repetition in a way many struggling readers enjoy.What makes TTRS especially helpful:
• Many students who resist traditional reading practice are surprisingly motivated by typing-based learning. The repetitive nature of TTRS can also support orthographic mapping, helping words become more automatic over time.For some students, especially older elementary students, TTRS can help increase independent practice without creating battles at home.Nessy LearningNessy is one of the most dyslexia-friendly educational platforms available for home reinforcement.Nessy includes:
  • I particularly like Nessy for students who need extra repetition but still want learning to feel playful and encouraging.Because it is designed specifically for struggling readers and students with dyslexia, it aligns far better with Science of Reading practices than many mainstream reading apps.Why These Programs Work Best Alongside 1:1 InterventionThe greatest progress typically happens when students combine:
    • Apps like TTRS and Nessy should be viewed as supplements, not replacements, for intervention.A trained reading interventionist can:
      • Then programs like TTRS and Nessy help reinforce those skills between sessions.Think of it this way:1:1 intervention builds the foundation.Supplemental practice helps strengthen and automate it.When combined consistently over the summer, this can significantly speed up growth and help students return to school more confident and prepared.A Simple Summer Routine That WorksFor many students, an effective summer literacy routine might include:
        • Consistency matters far more than long sessions.Small amounts of targeted practice done regularly can create meaningful progress over time.Final ThoughtsSummer is a powerful opportunity to close gaps before they widen further.With the right combination of explicit instruction, encouragement, and structured practice, students can make substantial gains in reading, spelling, fluency, and confidence.Programs like TTRS and Nessy are not magic solutions, but when paired with high-quality 1:1 structured literacy intervention, they can become valuable tools that help students practice more consistently and accelerate growth.Every child can learn to read with the right support, instruction, and time.