On the last day of school everyone is in agreement. Teachers, students, families – we all hope for a summer filled with happy reading. And yet, every year on the first day of school, students have not read a book since June. Despite good intentions, families just don’t know what books to get for their kiddo. This is a big reason for summer slide, with students starting the year rusty and missing many of the skills they spent the year building.

Here is an easy and helpful step to switch the summer slide into a springboard. Below you will find a template for an email to families and book recommendations that you can copy/paste to personalize each student’s letter. 

1. A Customizable Letter to Families: This letter is your secret weapon for getting parents on board with summer reading. It outlines the importance of reading, provides practical tips for creating a literacy-rich environment at home, and offers a list of resources for finding books and activities. (The template is ready for you to copy and paste!)
2. Personalized Book Recommendations (Levels A-Z+ and Beyond): Every student is unique, and their reading preferences vary. That’s why I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of book recommendations categorized by reading level and interest. Whether your student is just starting their reading journey or devouring complex novels, there’s something for everyone. (Just paste the relevant suggestions into your letter!)

How to Use the Toolkit:

1. Copy and Customize: Download the letter template and personalize it with your school’s information and your student’s name.
2. Tailor Recommendations: Browse the book list and select titles that match your student’s reading level and interests. You can also ask them for input!
3. Email or Print: Send the letter electronically or print it out and send it home with your students. *Every year some parents have put the printed letter on their fridge! This can be a powerful tool and reminder.

Additional Tips:

• Spend the last week of class having students to create a summer reading wish list and log to track their progress.
• Have a field trip to your local library (or invite them into class) for summer reading programs and events.

Let’s Make Summer Reading a Blast!

By working together, we can make this summer a time of growth, discovery, and literary adventure for our students. Let’s empower them to become lifelong readers who love to explore new worlds through the pages of a book.

Share the love! Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow teachers and encourage them to use the toolkit to inspire their students as well. Together, we can make a difference!

Dear _________,

As the school year comes to a close, I’m excited to share some thoughts on how we can keep the learning momentum going over the summer break. Research shows that reading regularly can significantly impact a child’s academic success and overall well-being. That’s why I’m encouraging all students to participate in our summer reading program.

Why Summer Reading Matters:

• Prevents Summer Slide: Reading helps prevent the “summer slide,” where students lose some of the academic progress they’ve made during the school year.
• Builds Vocabulary: Reading exposes children to new words and ideas, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• Sparks Imagination: Reading transports children to different worlds and ignites their creativity.
• Promotes Relaxation: Reading is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Strengthens Family Bonds: Reading together creates special moments and lasting memories.

Tips for Creating a Literacy-Rich Home:

• Designate a reading nook: Create a cozy and inviting space where your child can curl up with a good book.
• Visit the library regularly: Take advantage of the library’s vast collection of books and resources.
• Read aloud together: Share the joy of reading by reading aloud to your child, even if they are independent readers.
• Make reading fun: Let your child choose books that interest them and explore different genres.
• Set a good example: Let your child see you reading for pleasure.

Personalized Book Recommendations for [Student’s Name]:

Based on [Student’s Name]’s reading level and interests, here are a few book recommendations to get you started:

• [Book Title 1]
• [Book Title 2]
• [Book Title 3]

Remember, the most important thing is to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for your child. Let them explore, discover, and fall in love with the magic of books.

I wish you and your family a wonderful and enriching summer filled with exciting adventures and captivating stories!

Sincerely,

[Your Name] 

[Your Title] 

[School/Class Name]

Emergent Readers (Levels A-C):

1. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin
2. The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
3. Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
4. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
5. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Early Readers (Levels D-F):

1. Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems
2. The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey
3. Fly Guy series by Tedd Arnold
4. Narwhal and Jelly series by Ben Clanton
5. Dog Man series by Dav Pilkey

Early Fluent Readers (Levels G-I):

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
2. Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
4. Front Desk by Kelly Yang
5. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Fluent Readers (Levels J-L):

1. Pax by Sara Pennypacker
2. Refugee by Alan Gratz
3. New Kid by Jerry Craft
4. The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
5. Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Advanced Readers (Levels M-O):

1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
2. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
3. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
4. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
5. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Young Adult (Levels P-Z+):

1. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
2. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
3. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
4. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
5. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Beyond Grade 8 (High School/University):

1. The Martian by Andy Weir
2. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
3. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
5. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng