Create a Summer Reading List

Summer break is a time to relax and try to avoid anything remotely academic, however reading is one thing that needs to continue during breaks from school.

Why It Matters

Reading over the long break helps retain learning.
Spending the summer curled up with a few good books often leads to gains in reading skills and helps prevent a backward slide academically, often referred to as “summer slide.”
It can expand their knowledge base.
Your student may choose to learn about a new topic that interests them, delve deep into the life of their favorite celebrity, or pick up the latest fiction best-seller. No matter what is chosen, reading opens up connections to other cultures, perspectives and ideas.
Your student has the power of choice.
With homework, activities and other commitments taking up more of their time during the school year, many eighth graders find they only read required materials. Summer often provides some free time for students to choose books, magazines and online content they prefer and can get lost in for hours.

What Your Student Can Do Now

Set a reading schedule.
Summer reading doesn’t need a formal timeline, but a goal, such as reading two books a week or for an hour a day, can help your student get the most benefit from summer reading.
Make a list.
If your student doesn’t have a favorite genre or author, researching best-seller lists, book award winners and recommended reading articles can help build a list of books.
Get to the library or bookstore.
Many public libraries offer summer programs as well as online lending capability. If finances allow and your student likes to collect or reread books, buying a print or electronic version may be preferred.

What Your Student Can Do Later

Make connections.
Even light topics or fantasy novels often deal with universal themes such as personal conflict, right and wrong, and coming of age. Your student can relate what they’ve read to real-life experiences now and in the future.
Build a reading personality.
As your student explores new types of reading, a reading personality will develop. Does your student like anything about a particular topic? Maybe it’s a specific genre or author that truly captivates the imagination. As your student learns what is and isn’t appealing, encourage exploration.

What You Can Do

Point out your favorites.
If you have favorite books from when you were your student’s age, talk about what you liked and whether you think your student would like them or not. Was anything you read at that time particularly meaningful to you?
Read along.
Read some of the same materials your student is reading at the same time. This way, you can discuss what you thought of certain events or ideas to help build connections and articulate individual reactions and thoughts.
Reinforce reading.
Your student may benefit from watching a movie or series based on a book or listening to an audio version. Or maybe, discovering other authors with a similar style will unlock new discoveries. Seek different ways to reinforce what your student is reading — play an audiobook during a vacation road trip.

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Next Steps

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