Summer Reading
As a child, I enjoyed losing myself in a good book when the summer days felt long. My parents would take me to the local library, and I would search the shelves for a new adventure. The library advertised a summer reading program that rewarded readers with free chocolate-dipped ice cream cones after completing a set number of books.
Reading and free ice cream cones? Perfect summer for a bookworm like me.
Times have changed since my elementary school days. My middle schooler would rather play Roblox than open a book. I knew it was important for him to continue reading during summer break, but I wasn’t sure how to help him. I’m sure several parents and teachers can relate!
Why is Summer Reading Important?
There’s a good deal of evidence that summer reading is essential to beat the “summer slide,” a term used to explain the loss of progress a student makes during the summer break. Studies show most students experience this phenomenon. However, several factors, such as socioeconomic status and reading struggles can lead to a more dramatic decline. This article from Reading Rocket provides helpful information and cites several studies backing their findings.
While researching this topic, I came across an insightful resource from the Brave New Teaching podcast. The teachers who were featured developed a resource for parents, teachers, and educators of secondary students called “The Summer Reading Rescue.” In this episode/webinar, several strategies are discussed to support summer reading.
What is the Reading Culture at Home/School?
The Summer Reading Rescue host raised an interesting concept called the “reading culture” of the school. She prompted the listeners to consider what messages are being given about reading. Is reading fun? Is it only for academic growth? Is all reading encouraged, or only certain “approved” books?
These are fantastic questions for both parents and teachers to consider.
I’m an avid reader, and I often discuss the books I read with my son, mostly because I get excited when I read an excellent book and have to share with whoever happens to be around. I hope this shows him that reading can be fun by hearing the excitement in my voice when describing my most recent favorite book.
Similarly, I try to find books about topics he’s interested in. He loves superheroes and anime, so we often buy him graphic novels. I’ll admit, this was a struggle for me at first. I didn’t appreciate graphic novels as a legitimate form of literature until I researched the genre. For my middle schooler, this format engages him. He struggles to create word pictures when reading traditional books, so graphic novels help him understand the story.
We’ve also discovered his retention is better when he listens to audiobooks rather than reading text. I’ve borrowed audiobooks from a library app that he showed interest in. Though he still needs a little reminder, my middle schooler has a positive experience reading.
Parents and teachers, it’s essential that we keep an open mind when it comes to reading. We may have preconceived notions of what a “book” should be, but we must keep in mind a student’s learning style, preferences, and abilities.
What is our tone when we talk about reading? Do we share our excitement when we read? Do we encourage various reading options, or do we have specific ideas of what counts as “reading”? Is reading seen as a potential hobby or another assignment?
Using Social Media to Encourage Reading
I read an interesting article about what parents need to know about BookTok by NewYorkFamily.com, with some good suggestions. Most middle and high schoolers are already on social media, and maybe parents and teachers can talk with them about what influencers in their age group are saying about books. Parents could search TikTok or Instagram for book reviews they think might spark interest and share it with their child. Viewing influencers talk about books might intrigue a hesitant reader.
However, not every book or topic discussed on BookTok or Bookstagram may be appropriate for some students. Each parent and teacher should carefully consider how to approach these apps and how to navigate these communities.
A student may be more willing to read if the follow-up assignment is engaging. The article BookTok for Secondary Learners: How Social Media is Shaping Literacy and Reading provides insight into how social media is shaping the reading landscape. Several fun assignments are suggested as alternatives to back-to-school book reports, such as creating a book trailer or a BookTok-style review video. Students can be creative and allow their personalities and tech skills to shine. And there’s no reason they have to wait to go back to school to create one!
Show Your Local Library Love!
Public libraries are a great resource, especially for lower-income families. They often have summer reading programs and fun events planned during the summer. My middle schooler enjoyed the Pokémon treasure hunt in which we participated last summer; he followed clues around the library to the “treasure”: a variety of books to choose from at the children’s book check-out counter.
Library apps like Libby and Hoopla make it even easier to borrow books; all you need is a library card to access eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Hoopla even offers a selection of music and movies as part of its digital library.
Hoopla features a “Kids Only” mode, allowing only age-appropriate titles to be accessed on a device. I downloaded this app for my middle schooler, and he borrows books often. I can see everything he borrows and the progress he’s made from my device.
Readeezy Books are Perfect for Summertime Reading
Readeezy cares about year-round reading, and we offer several books perfect for summertime. An active student may enjoy Sink or Swim, a book about a surfing competition. If your family is going on vacation, bring along Vacation Island Mystery and read a fun and spooky story. Readeezy has a story for every reader.
Readeezy aims to support students with various reading struggles. Its digital books have a text-to-speech option and illustrations on every page. Students answer questions while they read along, boosting comprehension and vocabulary skills.
No matter the season, Readeezy is a great resource for young readers.
We Can Fight the Summer Slide!
Parents and teachers ultimately want to see their students succeed, and so do we at Readeezy. We aim to help young readers, especially those experiencing reading difficulties, discover a spark for reading and literacy.
I still get pushback from my middle schooler when I suggest he read a book instead of more time on screens. He may never be as much of a fan of reading as I am, and that’s fine.
My goal is to support my middle schooler the best I can and make reading as appealing as possible. I know each parent or teacher reading this article shares that goal for their students.
Let’s make summer reading fun!
