Increasingly, parents ask me what they should be doing with their older students during summer break. It makes sense: articles abound about preventing the summer slide and reading with teenagers.
Parents ask me as a teacher, and I’ll be honest… I’ve been reluctant to say much. Library reading programs and stressing family values through literature make sense. Still, as a teacher, I have never interacted with my students over the summer at their homes! I didn’t want to presume to understand their summers. Personally, I see summer break with teenagers as an opportunity to increase reading and provide alternative learning opportunities. Summer writing activities can incorporate family values and family history.
However, every family is different and as a teacher, I want to respect cultures and backgrounds. Sometimes I clam up when parents ask questions because I don’t know the big picture of summer breaks. I can share my family’s summer vacation plans, though.
What should be included in a summer to-do list for older students?
Along with family vacations and sleeping in, my family will be reading and writing. We have other summer goals like cleaning closets, sorting pictures, and enjoying summer camp.
Below are my plans concerning summer reading and writing. They might inspire you and your older students during summer break.
Should we have fun with older students during summer break?
Yes! A productive summer means much fun and rest for all. Free time and relaxation are essential parts of these months. Addressing mental health with relaxing summer activities is necessary. Still, summertime is a great opportunity to establish that social skills, writing skills, and reading practice are essential.
Writing: the perfect time for a skill set.
I write alongside my students and write with my children. We don’t write essays together, but we do write. As a parent, we discuss personal interests, professional skills, and leadership skills. When the fall semester comes, I don’t want my kids not to have written for two-three months.
Why? Well, writing is thinking. Parents want to shape their kids’ morals and thoughts. Writing alongside a child gives such opportunities.
Here are a few writing activities. Find a good fit for you and your child.
Write your holiday card.
We have family everywhere across the globe, and not everyone uses social media.
My plan is to have each one of my children write a paragraph about the previous school year, and to ask my oldest child to write the introduction and conclusion. I’ll edit with him. Then in November, we might add a few final thoughts.
This activity is the perfect opportunity to implement the writing process in real life.
Write to a relative.
Who doesn’t love traditional mail? Create or buy a few simple cards and write a few sentences to relatives. You’ll be sharing funny stories, connecting with family, and writing in one project.
A good idea is to file these correspondences to give as a graduation gift after the high school years.
Create a scrapbook or compile a digital book.
Years ago, I created elaborate scrapbooks. I’ve mostly switched to digital ones (like from Shutterfly), but they still require writing. As a bonus, I love “hearing” my children’s voices in their writing. Their prose really makes the scrapbook special.
Really? So many parents confide that they can’t work with their children and their writing. Yes! Absolutely, you can help your child with writing. You don’t need the exact phrasing that English teachers use. Having honest conversations and working together goes a long way in practicing writing.
Reading: the perfect modeling practice.
I purposefully model reading with my children. I try. Like so much with parenting, I’m sure I fall short.
Still, books are in almost every room of my house. I am deliberate in putting down my phone and picking up a book. A great way to know what your child wonders about and struggles with is to follow their interest through books.
Here are a few other ideas for reading with teenagers.
Reading aloud.
Teens enjoy listening to books. I read a chapter or two of a book aloud daily. My son and I have interesting conversations about characters. As he ages, our conversations will become more mature. I use literature as a way to teach our family values and beliefs about the world.
Investigating different genres.
Go to the comic book store. Explore a fun piece of history. My son adores graphic novels, and we spend time searching for the best ones.
Have a spontaneous adventure if you find a free library stand.
Join the library program.
Library programs are free and sometimes, they have awesome prizes! We are intentional about checking books out from the library and filling out our forms.
I do the program alongside my children. Sometimes I borrow PD books, and other times, I read for fun. Modeling reading for kiddos is backed by research.
Make a summer bucket list of books.
Some people have required reading for their children—books that will teach life lessons and morals. If you have never considered such a list, ask family or friends about stories that have changed their lives.
Older students during summer break have less time left at home. Now is a great time to read together. Emphasize the best ways to move into adulthood with books.
Ready for the new school year?
Probably! Intentionally reading and writing at home does present summer learning loss. However, personal growth will look different for everyone.
High school students (my speciality!) might be looking for test prep or summer programs that boost their college applications. You might direct writing toward a personal statement or common application for the upcoming years. Applying for a summer internship or work experience might check of reading and writing activities.
A scripted way forward isn’t necessary for preparation for the upcoming school year. A variety of methods that emphasize your child as a learner is the way forward!
Final ideas about break.
Since I began my teaching career, parents have increasingly asked how to prevent the summer slide and how to work with their older students during summer break. As a parent of a teen (almost), I try to keep him busy. He’ll attend chess camp and STEM camp. We’ll read together and complete some writing projects. He’ll also bike ride, play on his phone, play video games, and lounge in his pajamas till midmorning.
Like so much with older kiddos, balance over summer break seems key. To all the teachers, I hope you can share this post with parents if they ask how to stop the summer slide. To all the parents, I hope you make these ideas your own.
What do you plan to do with your teen this summer? Melissa at Reading and Writing Haven has a few ideas of her own.
