Middle School Summer Reading

Note that in the photo above, Will is taking care of his own summer reading, but not looking overly thrilled about it. This photo reminded me that some of you are parenting multiple kids with different ability levels. I thought sharing my experience with Will might be enlightening.

First, Will was a strong reader and enjoyed reading the books he chose for himself. Starting in middle school, there were specific books assigned for summer reading – that’s where they lost Will.  Books chosen by teachers? No thanks – sounds like homework.

So, I sat my buddy down at the beginning of the summer and shared how to strategize.  Add up the number of pages in the books and divide by the number of days in the summer. Then take away any days you know you won’t read like vacation days or your birthday.  That way, if you read at least that number of pages each day, you’ll be well prepared once school rolls around.

Sounds great? Right

Wrong.  That almost never happened and there was always a mad scramble in the last week of summer break to finish the summer reading.

Thinking Bigger

For typical kids, there are zillions of resources for summer reading.  Look outside of your home for programs to provide motivation and a social aspect to participation. 

Your local library likely has a middle school summer reading program.  They might also have book clubs (ours had pizza at the meetings) geared specifically towards middle schoolers. If not, check at the state level.

For example, the Connecticut State Library offers a program called, “All CT Reads” to encourage reading over the summer for people of all ages. Check to see what your state might offer!

The Second Lady of the United States has also created a national summer reading program for all kids K-8. You can find it at whitehouse.gov and it is free to enter.  If your child reads 12 books before September 5, they (or you) can fill out the log and send it in.  Every child who does this will get a certificate and a small prize. They will also be entered to win a trip to the White House.

For All Kids

Remember, it’s not either/or…your child can participate in all of the above.  You can ask for modifications for your kids with special needs so they can participate too when appropriate. Do whatever it takes to keep the kids reading this summer!