Summer Reading Rescue - Part 2 [S7 EP. 253]

Listen to the full episode below:

What if summer reading didn’t have to feel like a chore for students or teachers?

In part two of our Summer Reading Rescue series, I’m continuing the conversation about how we can reimagine summer reading programs to actually work, and even bring joy back to reading. We know the summer slide is real, and in part one, I laid the groundwork by talking about the research and the importance of having a clear PURPOSE behind your program. Today, we’re diving into the next two pillars: CHOICE and INTERACTION.

Let’s be honest: summer reading has gotten a bad rap. But I KNOW it’s worth the fight. So many programs feel disconnected from what students actually want to read—or how they want to read. That’s why I believe student CHOICE has to be front and center. I’m talking about giving kids options by genre, theme, or even allowing for things like audiobooks or podcasts. Literacy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our programs shouldn’t be either.

But we can’t stop at choice. INTERACTION is the secret sauce that can take a summer reading program from "meh" to meaningful. In this episode, I’m sharing examples from libraries, online platforms like StoryGraph and BookClubs.com, and schools that are using fun, community-based challenges to keep students connected to each other (and to reading) all summer long. From prizes to reading games to virtual book chats, I’ve got ideas that you can take straight to your next ELA meeting.

So let’s go off and rescue summer reading together. Let’s create some energy around this! If something in this episode sparked an idea for you—maybe a prize plan, a book list, or even just a conversation you’re starting in your department—share it with us on social media. Take a screenshot, tag @bravenewteaching, and let’s spread the word that reading matters beyond the grade book. 

If you're ready to breathe life back into your summer reading program, head HERE for all the tools, notes, and ideas I mentioned. And if you're craving even more conversation and connection, come hang out with us at Happy Hour. We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up!

topics discussed:

  • The crucial role that choice plays in summer reading

  • Considering a genre-based or game-based reading list

  • What we can learn from library reading programs

  • A new fun way to get students to read books: challenge cards!

  • Ideas I’ve tried for turning around the reading culture at school

  • Incorporating an interactive piece to your summer reading program

  • The importance of consistently updating the summer reading conversation

  • Suggestions for low-cost, no-cost, and donated student prizes

resources:

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More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

Tune in on your favorite podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

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