By Reading Horizons Reading Specialist, Stacy Hurst

This is my first year as a full time employee for Reading Horizons. In truth, I love my new job but I do have a confession to make. I miss the energy-charged feeling that accompanies the end of the school year as teachers and students anticipate the change of pace that summer vacation provides. However, I also clearly remember the elevated concern that most teachers feel about the effect that the summer months will have on the progress of students they have worked so hard with throughout the school year.

Research validates their concerns showing that struggling readers in particular lose ground during the summer months compared to their non-struggling peers. This widening gap not only diminishes the instructional time invested by the previous years’ teacher, it adds to the instructional load of next years’ teacher. Many schools have implemented summer reading programs in the hope of narrowing the gap. Teachers at my previous school (Go Miners!) volunteered three hours weekly so students could have access to books on their level throughout the summer. We even included a story time so preschool students would be likely to check out books as well preparing them for literate futures. Overall, we didn’t see the effects we would have liked to see with the summer reading program. Now I know why.

Recently, I found this 2009 article from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The study is fascinating and I recommend that you take the time to read it. Building on the evidence that access to books on a student’s level was not enough to bridge the gap, researchers designed an alternate program for 3rd through 5th grade students. It begins with teachers preparing students before the end of the school year (while they are still on contract time- bonus!). It continues with students receiving post cards throughout the summer reminding them of comprehension and fluency strategies that were introduced during the school year. Accountability included the students returning a different postcard (follow the previous link for a PDF) via ‘snail mail’ with a record of their performance. Results very much favored students who participated at this level of instruction compared with students involved at lower levels of instruction and accountability.

The study definitely spurred thoughts on how to improve summer reading programs aimed at struggling readers. My thoughts, however, were turned to ways that technology could improve upon this research. It seems that INSTRUCTION is necessary in addition to application of reading skills. Most school districts lack funding for such instruction and many teachers do not have the time to contribute to such instruction as they are typically involved in professional (and personal) development activities during summer months.

How can the needs of struggling readers be met effectively over the summer months? I suggest that the answer to that question involves technological resources (such as apps, online software, email, virtual classrooms, etc…) as well as teacher expertise. Classroom teachers would be able to monitor student progress and communicate, via email, with their students offering encouragement, accountability, and suggestions for improvement. This approach, combined with access to leveled books, sounds promising to me as an educator. I will definitely be discussing this with my teacher friends as they prepare for the end of this school year. What are some effective summer reading programs that you have seen? Feel free to share!

Students often think of school as a marathon, and even the slightest utterance of the word “summer” calls forth images of a beautiful bright banner that marks the finish line. For teachers, this is not the case. Even though summer does also provide a break for teachers, they don’t get to experience the same sense of freedom as their students.

Being a teacher means keeping your body of knowledge in tip-top shape. Summer break equals a lot of preparation for the coming marathon, especially since teachers have to stay a few steps ahead of their students in order to guide the race over the course of the next school year.

Here are some ideas and guidelines that are aimed at helping teachers keep up with their summer-training schedules:

Decompress. The concept of spare time is a foreign one for teachers. When summer arrives, teachers often need a couple of weeks to adjust and to realize that they are NOT behind on grading homework. In fact, during my research, I came across this humorous account of a summer from the perspective of a teacher who just can’t seem to relax.

Pamper Yourself. Even though the idea of relaxation may be harder for some than others, it is still important that teachers take time in the summer for things that they truly enjoy doing – not things they have to do. There are a multitude of things that can provide an escape, from attending to a garden, to getting a massage, to going on a cruise. Do whatever floats your boat (pun not intended). Stepping away from school will help you become a better teacher.

Reflect. Speaking of stepping away, summer time also provides the important opportunity to look back at the highs and lows of the previous school year. Examine the lows and critically think about what you could do to avoid these situations in the next year, but focus mainly on the highs so that you can cultivate a positive attitude within your subconscious about the upcoming school year.

Inspire Yourself. Another helpful way to rekindle positive feelings about your job as a teacher is to rediscover why you became one in the first place. Who doesn’t lose sight of a few things during hectic times? Here is a really cool website that offers stories about the teachers of famous celebs who inspired their pupils to stardom. If you are really having a hard time finding inspiration, always remember to think of the starfish:

Say Thank You. While you’re feeling all those lovely positive feelings after re-inspiring yourself, take the time to say those two simple words: “Thank you.” For all the occasions a colleague helped you out, put your newly-acquired spare time to good use by actually properly thanking those people for their kindness. It can be as simple as sending a card or a note, but it’s still important. You haven’t forgotten how they made you feel, so let them know about the difference they made. Send them to your fellow teachers and even to administrators. This is a great way to create friendships and build a strong network that you will be able to rely on for any help you may need in the future. If you’re feeling particularly grateful, maybe even take the time to send a thank you note to that coworker you don’t always get along with so well.

Reconnect. As you busy yourself cultivating new friendships, don’t forget about the ones who have always been there for you. Take this opportunity to reconnect with friends – ask them about their lives and show them that even when times get busy, you still value their friendships.

Create Family Time. Just as maintaining healthy friendships is important, even more so is giving your all to your family. If you have kids, as a teacher, you realize that staying involved in what is going on in your children’s lives is of the highest importance. Use the summer as an opportunity for bonding by planning family adventures that will further development while preventing summer learning loss. Make sure you also show your spouse how thankful you are for their support and patience – let them know you haven’t forgotten how understanding they were when you spent all those long nights conducting parent-teacher meetings and grading papers.

Plan Parent Involvement. Take some time to come up with ideas that will get parents involved in helping out with the classroom next fall. Make a letter to send to the parents of all your new students that expresses how crucial parent volunteers are for a successful classroom environment. Make up a syllabus for your classroom next year and be sure to include a note to parents to include their e-mail addresses so you can keep them in the loop.

Improve Classroom Procedures. Teachers have to make the most out of their time away from students, so use the summer to improve upon your classroom procedures in order to maximize your efficiency in the upcoming school year. For more helpful tips on improving classroom procedures, such as effective filling systems, check out this article.

Revamp Old Lessons. Think about a few lessons that could use improvement and spend a few hours at a time giving them a new perspective. Think about your learning objectives (what you want the students to take away), plan effective and fun learning activities (something that will really capture your students’ attention), and come up with an assessment plan to implement throughout the course of the lessons and activities to make sure the kids are absorbing what you want them to. For more help on lesson planning, click here. Remember, triumph starts with "try" and ends with a whole lot of "umph!"

Teach Summer School. Of course, there is usually the option to teach summer school if you are looking to make a little extra income. Talk to your principal and other administrators to find out how to get involved.

Work Part Time. It is not unusual for teachers to hold part-time jobs during the summer months, though it might not be right for everyone. The benefits of having a part-time job are that you are able to help ends meet and keep your time productively occupied. The cons are that finding a temporary position is not always easy or flexible, so you become somewhat tied down. Really, this is an option each person has to evaluate individually and then decide what is best for themself.

Travel and Teach. Believe it or not, there is a way to combine seeing the world and your important work as a teacher. Organizations such as Geeo help teachers afford traveling to all sorts of international locations while also using their knowledge and practice to better the lives of others.

Learn Something New. Whether it’s taking up a hobby (such as pottery or painting), or signing up for a class at a local community college, learning something new will give you even more inspiration, knowledge, and skills to draw from when planning lessons and activities for next year.

Expand Your Knowledgebase. Of course, I saved the most important tip for last. Make sure that summer is a time of professional development for you as a teacher. There are so many opportunities to travel to seminars and workshops, as well as a plethora of online resources that give you credits that can go towards renewing your license.

For some instant and free online resources, check out Reading Horizons awesome library of Webinars (you can download the slideshows and request a Certificate of Attendance) or sign up for our free Online Workshop and fall in love with teaching reading all over again. You can also download our e-book and improve you methods for teaching students with learning disabilities.

Comment below and let us know what you think the best way for a teacher to spend their summer is!

Lately I’ve been talking a lot with my little sister – a junior in high school – about her preparation for entering college.  Just listening to the classes she is taking next year (lots of Advanced Placement and Concurrent Enrollment) and what goals she has for her senior year (scholarship and college applications), I realized that even more than when I was walking the halls of our hometown’s high school, kids are feeling the pressure to become “college ready.” 

I remember being in high school and worrying so much about my future life.  I was afraid that one bad grade would ruin me for good, and so I pushed myself very hard and achieved a lot.  I often felt overstressed, tired, and hopeless.  

Now, having actually experienced the rigors of college, I have had plenty of time to reflect on what I could have done to be more prepared for college while in high school.  My school counselor and teachers saw me as “college ready,” but I definitely was not – I never learned how to have fun, and by the time I realized this, my last opportunities to be a kid had passed me by.  I was running in a race for my future, realizing that I had used up all of my energy in what was supposed to be the warm up.    

More and more, it seems like college and other pressures are infringing upon the development of high school students.  People often don’t consider reasons why this may be a bad thing; it is easy to see the increased opportunities to earn college credit in advanced courses and to apply for scholarships and awards as a way to push kids to get ahead.  But what is not being recognized is the fact that these students are still kids and that all of these opportunities are adding a lot of stress on to their already-full plates. 

I once heard adolescence described as putting an inexperienced driver behind the wheel of a jet-engine powered vehicle and telling them to go.  Teenagers may be physically maturing, but they still have so much biological, social, and cognitive development to experience.  They are still learning how to handle themselves out there on the road of life.  They are not ready for all of the demands and expectations of an adult who has had the chance to develop. 

I don’t want to give the wrong impression here – I do think that opportunities to get ahead in high school are great, but everything in moderation.  Speaking from personal experience, I feel the problem is that a lot of schools and counselors are not being responsible about the way they guide high school students through the pressures of high school and college.  Students who are academically gifted might become overstressed by taking on too much and students who are slower to develop might become discouraged if they feel they are not achieving enough.  Meeting deadlines on time is an important habit to develop and teenagers do need exposure to real-life expectations, but they also need help planning and balancing their lives.  Check out this short video which explores why "stress doesn't always mean success:"

Counselors should be encouraging students to challenge themselves, but they also need to let students know that it is equally as important to maintain harmony in their lives, including getting time for social interaction and good old-fashioned fun.  Without developing outlets, teens will harbor stress and experience burn out.

Summer provides the perfect opportunity for teenagers to challenge themselves and grow while maintaining an equilibrium with fun.  Here are a few ideas for teenagers to occupy their summer time with: 

Volunteer.  Almost nothing helps a person feel as good and as inspired as community service.  Colleges and employers appreciate knowing that a person is well-rounded and cares about making the world better.  There are so many local opportunities available and since it is a matter of volunteering time, teens can make their own schedules and decide how much time they can and want to give.

Intern.  Getting exposure to a potential career through internships is a great way for teens – and even college students – to get a foot in the door as far as employment goes.  Much like volunteering, internship schedules are usually more flexible, so teens should still have time to enjoy their summers. 

Develop a Talent.  A teen pushing himself/herself to learn something new will provide a sense of challenge and accomplishment.  This can be especially beneficial as an outlet for stress if it involves something they are passionate about, like playing the guitar. 

Set Goals.  The trick here is for a person to stretch themselves, but not overexert.  Set realistic goals, like finishing a book series over the summer or applying for two scholarships.  Setting goals is a good way to stay proactive and motivated about what you want to accomplish. 

HAVE FUN!  I feel like this point cannot be emphasized enough.  Encourage teens to engage in activities that delight them, allow them to relax, and keep their spirits high and hopeful for the future.  Tell them it’s important to do what makes them happy while they can still enjoy being a kid.  I wish someone had told me that it was important to have fun when I was pushing my way towards college.  What a difference it could have made.    

If you know a teen who is struggling with reading, you could refer the teen and their parents to getting 3-month access to Reading Horizons v5 program At Home for the summer.  It is a great program that can help any struggling reader make strides towards better fluency. 

Let’s compare a classroom to a ship.  There are about 20 passengers (the students) and usually only 1 captain (the teacher).  The ship is small and modestly equipped, often requiring the captain to be creative with problem solving in order to keep the ship afloat.  It sets sail in late August and arrives at its destination early next June with only a few short stops to provide breaks from the sea. 

As the teacher and captain of the classroom, it is your job to make sure that over the course of this journey you are steering your students (or your passengers) through experiences that will help them master the right level of skills and techniques they need to survive their life of learning…their life on a sea of knowledge.  The problem that many teachers face is that their students often forget some important skills they learned throughout the school year during the summer break.  As this research states, math and reading are two of the subjects where skill-loss is greatest, along with spelling.  Children from low socioeconomic status families are impacted the greatest, often suffering 1-3 months of learning loss. 

“For disadvantaged students, reading scores were disproportionately affected and the achievement gap between rich and poor widened.”  -- Professor Harris Cooper, Duke University Professor

So what is the secret to skill retention during the summer slump?  It’s no secret – what counts in the long run is what teachers have done throughout the year to help students learn.  Using reading as an example, the best way to enable students is to teach with systematic, explicit instruction in order to allow them to further their own comprehension.  Teach children how to relate the text they read to the world, to other books, and – most importantly – to themselves.

In order to keep kids learning over the summer months, the most effective thing teachers can do is to get parents on board with their child’s learning.  Here are a few suggestions for teachers to pass on to parents to increase summer reading, using The ABCs of Improved Reading:

Access to books.  It is important to give children access to a wide variety of books.  Make a family trip to the local library and have everyone sign up for library cards.  Kids will love the sense of importance and responsibility signing up for a card will give them as well.

Books that match readers’ ability levels and interest.  Let them choose to read about topics that interest them. As their skills grow, make sure the books children read continue to challenge (not frustrate) them.

 **To test whether a book is above a child’s reading ability, use the five-finger rule.  Have a child read 100 words from a book of their choosing.  Ask them to raise a finger for every word they don’t know.  If they raise five fingers, the book is probably too hard.  In this case, help them find a book on the same topic that is on their level.** 

Comprehension, as monitored and guided by an adult.  This concept cannot be stressed enough:  read with your children!  Encourage them to ask questions.  Ask them questions about the characters and storylines to make sure they understand what is going on.  Summarize chapters for them or ask them to summarize.  Reread harder passages. 

Here is a free one hour webinar about helping students not only be motivated to read, but skills that you can teach them to have more success in understanding what they read (which will in turn motivate them to read more):

"Motivating Readers: Collaboration, Challenge, Competence, and Choice" by Sarah Collinge

Summer typically evokes images of vacations and fun, but what many people don’t realize is that this fun-filled break is responsible for more than half of the achievement gaps between middle-income and lower-income children. I repeat: summer is responsible for more than half of all learning discrepancies among students. One 3 month “happy-times” break is what makes all the difference for students of different economic classes.

This short video highlights the shocking impact of summer time on the achievement gap between middle-income children and lower-income children:

Luckily, school's not out yet! Teachers still have the opportunity to give students and parents a few ideas for keeping students engaged in learning during the summer - especially when it comes to reading. You could even use one of these cute brochure templates to create a pamphlet to send home with your students. Here are a few ideas worth incorporating:

• Reward for Reading. Suggest that parents use a reward system based off of the number of pages their children read throughout the summer. Small prizes could be awarded weekly, medium prizes monthly, and a grand prize could be awarded at the end of the summer to keep kids reading. See how this mom came up with an ingenious reading program “by using the competitive spirit among siblings.”

• Plan for the Curriculum. Collaborate with the teachers who teach a year up from the grade you teach. Find out what students will be learning when they come back in the fall (Greek mythology or astronomy) and then let parents know so they can help their children get ahead by reading books on upcoming learning topics or by visiting museums and planetariums.

• Library Access. Here’s a simple one – encourage parents to get their children library cards so that they have free access to a multitude of books. Local libraries usually offer reading lists and sponsor reading contests as well.  

• Natural Learning. Tell parents to take learning outside! Going on a hike provides plenty of opportunites for fun and learning. Suggest that families take pictures of flowers and other wildlife and then go home and find three interesting facts about each organism they photographed.

• Go to the Zoo. The zoo is a wonderful place that is already geared towards learning for children. Encourage parents to allow their children to identify the animals instead of pointing them out.

• Cook Up Some Ideas. Tell parents to make it a goal to cook with their kids a couple times a week (or more). Offer that they give the kids a little freedom and let them choose the recipes -- this will get them excited.  Following a recipe is good practice for reading and comprehension, as well as for learning how to follow directions accurately.  Kids could practice their writing and spelling skills by making a grocery list.  Taking measurements could easily be turned into math practice, plus, it's great for bonding!

• Bargain Hunting. Thrift stores and yard sales always seem to be exciting for children, and parents can make hunting for cheap books an adventure! 

• Math Worksheets. If you have the time to prepare one, give parents a small booklet of math worksheets so that they can easily have their children keep up on their math skills without taking too much time away from summer.  You could also provide a list of websites with free printable math sheets and learning games.

• Put the "earn" in Learn. Suggest that parents consider implementing a small allowance for their children. They can offer a certain amount of money for tasks performed and then have their children add up what their total earnings are.  

• Everyday, Read Together. This one is simple and yet so important -- remind parents to read with their children daily. Encouraging children to read autonomously and silently is important, but parents can also have their children read aloud to them. Parents should even read to their children so that the kids get the chance to hear the language. Even 15 minutes will make a world of difference. 

• Create Simple Opportunities to Learn Something New. A great way to build vocabulary would be to display a "word of the day" on the fridge. 

• Let them Lead.  Remind parents to let the children be the leader of learning during the summer since they don't really get that control during the school year. Set up the activities and tell parents to encourage children to lead the way while they act as a gentle guide to nurture the knowledge.  For more ideas on adventures in learning for families, check out  Kids Off the Couch.