As summer approaches, keeping students engaged in learning can feel like a challenge. But one of the easiest ways to spark their curiosity and keep them thinking is by encouraging summer reading. Books can transport kids to new worlds, spark their imagination, and help them build skills for the next school year. One simple and creative way to promote summer reading is to share book recommendations! Here are a variety of ways to share books and spark interest in your students and their families during the summer.
Post Book Recommendations on the School Window
You can organize these recommendations by grade level, genre, or themes like adventure, mystery, or humor. Add bright visuals like book covers or illustrations and keep the titles simple and easy to read. As families walk or drive past the school, they see colorful book suggestions displayed on the windows.
Better yet, make it interactive! Add QR codes next to each book that link to a brief summary, a book trailer, or even the public library’s online catalog so families can find the book right away.
Create a Virtual Book Recommendation Hub
If families are more likely to check the school website than walk by the building, take the recommendations online. Dedicate a section of the school website to summer reading, where teachers and librarians can share their favorite picks. Include clickable links to eBooks, audiobook options, or local libraries. You could even add fun categories like “Books That Make You Laugh Out Loud” or “Stories for Budding Scientists.”
Host a Summer Reading Bulletin Board
For families who come by the school during the summer for sports, summer school, or other activities, create a summer reading bulletin board in a visible area. Include book titles, descriptions, and even mini-reviews from teachers or students who have read them. You can even have blank spaces for students to leave sticky notes about books they’ve enjoyed, making it a collaborative space.
Send Home “Reading Menus”
At the end of the school year, send students home with a "reading menu" full of book suggestions tailored to their grade level or interests. Think of it like a summer reading guide they can keep on the fridge! For younger students, include pictures of the book covers. For older students, add a mix of popular titles and challenge them to try something new.
Use Social Media for Book Buzz
Take advantage of your school’s social media pages to share weekly book recommendations. Post pictures of the book covers, share fun quotes from the stories, or ask students to leave comments about their favorite summer reads. You could even host a "Book of the Week" challenge, encouraging students to read and share their thoughts.
Collaborate with Local Libraries or Bookstores
Partnering with local libraries or bookstores can make the process even easier. Ask them for summer reading lists to share with families, or collaborate to create special displays featuring your school’s recommended reads. Some libraries even host summer reading programs with prizes—double the motivation for students to dive into a good book!
Encouraging summer reading isn’t just about keeping kids busy—it’s about helping them stay curious, imaginative, and ready for the school year ahead. Whether it’s spotting a book recommendation on the school window, checking the website for ideas, or browsing a “reading menu” at home, these small steps can make a big difference.
By Teach Daily
This article was a combined effort by multiple team members.
