A Student Weighs in on the Summer Reading Debate
So, did you complete your summer reading assignment? No, I did not complete the assignment. I mean what’s the point in doing pointless work during summer that really doesn’t benefit anyone.
Grades 9-12 were all assigned books to read during the summer. Summer is supposed to be the best time to relax, chill, and enjoy what you couldn’t all school year. After all, school is stressful and people need a break from work, at times.
If we are serious, assigning summer reading is not a very efficient method of teaching students about a subject. Think about it, where is the context; there is no teacher there to relate the book to a lesson.
For example, the 11th grade class is currently reading a play called the “Crucible,” and I would understand if we had to read something about the Salem Witch Trials, but NO, we had to read”The Great Gatsby” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which were on the list; those books have nothing to do with what we are being taught in class.
If you weren’t brought up to consistently read, then you won’t. Most kids don’t like to read because they don’t enjoy it, but usually when someone is reading to them he/she might not be so ill willed.
If audio books were at our disposable then it’s possible the work that comes with the book will be done.
“Our mission is to provide a quality education that develops the content knowledge, skill and attitudes that will enable all students to reach their maximum potential” and blah blah blah is what BCPS states on the summer reading list material, but they hardly have enough money for anything fun.
There is also an issue with obtaining the books on the summer reading list. I mean do most kids even visit the library anymore, aren’t we in the computer age. Perhaps if the books were online, students would be more open to reading. Then again, if students don’t have access to a computer, then you are right back where you started. If you can’t obtain the books you definitely won’t complete the assignment.
The public library also carries a limited amount of copies of each book. That means a student would have to purchase a book. When was the last time a student purchased a book?
Once upon a time, summer reading was introduced because BCPS thought it necessary. Well BCPS thinks a lot of needless things are necessary, like no cell phones or hats during the school day. I vote yes to abolish summer reading and the no hats and hoods policy.
i completed my summer reading
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