Ahhh, Summer. Can you feel it? The clocks have changed, the sun is out later, and we are just a few short weeks away from the happiest time of the year (Come on, you know I’m right).

The end of yet another successful school year means us teachers get a well-deserved break to do anything but, well, teach. The much-needed time off gives us a chance to power off our brains, switch our focus to rest and relaxation, and go from grading papers to doing just about anything else that does not require a lesson plan and a triple-shot latte.

But our students? We all know that for them, the learning never ends, and the more students are involved in their education throughout the summer months, the more prepared and motivated they’ll return to their classrooms in the Fall.

Some of the benefits of summer reading:

• Children are motivated to read.
• Children develop positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library.
• Children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation.
• Children have access to experiences that further their sense of discovery.
• Children have access to experiences through which they can learn to work cooperatively.

Sure, it’s easy to send our kids packing with a long list of books to read and some typical assignments, but wouldn’t YOU want to be spending the best months of the year engaged in work that actually engages you? If you’re nodding your head yes, or thinking back with dread to the days of your summer reading lists, I’m glad you’re here.

The specialists at Bulk Bookstore have some trusty advice when it comes to developing YOUR summer reading strategies, selection lists, projects, and assignments. Not only do we want to keep the reading momentum going throughout the summer, we want your students to work smarter, not harder. I mean, it’s summer, after all.

• Look up your State’s summer reading initiatives.

These days, just about every state in our great nation has their own call to action when it comes to literacy for the lazy days. Utilize the themes put in place, knock the socks off parents with the endless resources provided by these websites, and arm yourself with great ideas for planning purposes.

• Know your audience – do your research!

As teachers, we know that education, more specifically literacy, is not a one-size-fits-all model. Differentiation is the key to success in any of our teaching endeavors, and the importance of this strategic teacher superpower should be applied to planning your summer reading projects. Speak to next year’s students’ current teachers, get an overview of end-of-year reading levels or learning challenges, and plan accordingly. Check out this awesome resource while you’re at it for added diverse-learner information and inspiration!

• Think outside the box!

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Your summer reading assignments do not need to be as formal and as ‘by the book’ as classroom assignments. Have fun with it! Choose culturally relevant work, tie in some pop culture, and stay connected to your students throughout the summer to offer help and advice. One great way to do this is to create a YouTube channel for your students to post video updates on their summer reading endeavors, share thoughts with their peers, or even recommend other great works to one another.

When it comes to Summer Reading, the opportunities for extended learning, creativity, and differentiation are endless – and so are the reading choices!

Check out our extensive library of goodness and connect with a specialist from Bulk Bookstore today to get your orders completed in time for our favorite season of all!