How can I keep my middle school students reading over the summer, especially if they’re prepping for the ISEE, SHSAT, HSPT, or SSAT?

Answer 1

This is such a great question. I agree with a lot of the tips in this post, especially Sarah K's. Reading, like most sports and hobbies in life, is a habitual practice. When done daily, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes, it will pay off. Try to make the experience as fun as possible and not a chore. It's summer after all!

Below are some options of ways to enhance reading over the summer:

1. Reading Challenges with Rewards: this is good for motivation and structure
2. Ideas:
3. DIY bingo cards with small prizes
4. local library/book store summer reading programs
5. Real-World Tie-Ins: reading feels more relevant
6. Examples:
7. read about space before visiting a planetarium
8. read animal books before going to the zoo
9. read about a specific sport, hobby, or interest
10. Read alouds with family or podcasts: makes reading social and pressure-free
11. Good podcasts:
12. Circle Round (folk tales)
13. Brains On! (science)
14. The Story Seeds Podcast (kids create stories)

Let me know if you'd like me to set up a 1:1 tutorial with your kiddo to light the fire as well. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any more questions!

Answer 2

The key to keeping them reading, especially when on their own without the structure of school, is to make sure to get books that directly tie into their interests. Interest-based learning is crucial to motivation in this process.

So, my advice would be to find out what topics interest them the most, go with them to the bookstore, and work together to find books that match those.

Then, I suggest constructing a schedule that adds a bit of structure to your kiddos reading time. Talk to your kid and figure out their stamina and make the schedule based on that. Generally speaking, around 2 hours a day is a good amount of time if your kiddo really likes reading, maybe an hour if they are less inclined.

If your kid is the kind that responds well to external motivators (some do, some don't--especially if they already enjoy it) create some rewards for reading time-- maybe they get to pick out dinner or something else they enjoy.

One other tip: Have conversations with your kiddo about the content of the books. If you have a good relationship with your kid, they will probably get motivation from having conversations with you and bonding over book content.

Answer 3

Maintaining and enhancing reading skills over the summer, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like the ISEE, SHSAT, HSPT, or SSAT, requires a strategic and balanced approach. By establishing structured routines, selecting engaging materials, leveraging interactive tools, and providing personalized support, you can help your middle school students stay academically sharp and develop a lasting appreciation for reading. Incorporating these strategies will not only prevent the summer slide but also set your students up for success in their upcoming educational challenges.

I plan to host a group book club over the summer that your student may enjoy as well :)

Answer 4

The keys to getting middle-school students to establish a positive attitude to read in order to increase

their mastery over language arts, reading skills, and comprehension ability are as following: increase motion, dancing, playing numbering and logical games, through musical, acting out skits, visual activity like coloring, painting, and collaboration, where student learn the value of working together in a spirit of friendship, compassion, kindness, individual talents, and community.

Answer 5

Great question! I actually created a Not So Boring Summer Reading Challenge for my own students (grades 5–9). The idea is simple:

1. Read 15 books (or 1,000 minutes)
2. Write 1–2 sentence reflections
3. Turn in the log by August 15
4. Students who complete it will receive a curated list of vocabulary-building books and a chance at a free 45-minute tutoring session.

Even without the prize, it’s a great way to build vocabulary and reading stamina in a low-pressure way.

Happy to share the log or book list if anyone’s interested!

– Joanie M.

Not So Boring Tutoring