Tip #12 - Summer Writing

Summer reading expectations and assignments probably go back to the dawn of books in schools—or so it seems. But summer writing tends to be an afterthought, often along the lines of the cliché topic: What did you do last summer?

Teachers who want to ramp up the writing experience and keep students thinking about writing during the summer school recess can choose a number of strategies. Some are simple suggestions for students and parents; others hinge on coordinating with students’ future teachers. Here are a few sample ideas or assignments for students:

• Keep a summer reading journal, jotting down information about what you read, whether that reading is purely independent or suggested by your teacher.
• If you travel, keep a travel journal that records what you see and do on vacation.
• Keep a camp diary if you go to camp—and write letters, text messages, or emails home.
• Write a job report if you take a summer job and create an updated resume when the summer job is over.
• Create a blog and write about things that interest you and your friends, such as summer festivals.
• Write a skit or play to perform with friends or at a family reunion.
• Work toward a writing goal during the summer, such as to write a short story or a series of poems or song lyrics.

The key to successful summer writing is to keep the projects focused and fun. Such writing needs to be fulfilling in itself, rather than merely an obligation.