I am a huge fan of bookmarks because they can be a great tool for students to use during independent reading. Every June, I share a special bookmark printable with students for them to use during summer break. This bookmark printable is probably the most important one that I give them all year, because over the summer I want my students to keep thinking while they are reading. Download the summer bookmark printable for your students.

Summer Reading Strategies Bookmark & Tip Sheet for Parents

Sometimes summer reading can become “mindless reading” as students just try to “plow through” the list of books they are required to read. This reading strategies bookmark encourages students to pause every once in a while during their reading, to ask questions, and reflect on the text.

Each reading strategies bookmark has a list of questions and reflections that students can look at periodically while reading, and then again after they complete the book. These questions and reflections ensure that students develop a deep understanding of the text. I also give a copy of the bookmark to parents, so they can ask their child about the books he or she is reading.

The reading strategies bookmark questions and reflections are:

• Predict what will happen next.

• Do you know the problem?

• Make a connection with another text.

• What are you visualizing?

• Notice what the main character says and does.

• Are there emerging themes?

• Look for the solution.

• What is the lesson?

• Describe the author’s craft.

• Do you like the book? Would you recommend it?

Recommending Summer Reading Lists to Students

In conjunction with my summer bookmark printable, I always make time at the end of the school year to recommend books students can add to their summer reading list. I do this as a whole group, and then I conference with my students individually to make personal recommendations for books that I think they will enjoy.

I also share with my students the books I plan on reading over the summer. I think it is important for my students to know I am an avid reader.

Finally, I like to get the community involved in our summer reading efforts! One person in the community who you can count on to offer summer reading suggestions and inspire children to read is your school or town librarian. We are fortunate at my school to be able to have our town librarian come and visit with each grade to make summer reading suggestions. This is great for teachers, too, because I always hear a few new titles that I pick up to read myself. Librarians are also an invaluable resource because you can work with them to set up an individualized summer reading program for each student. Check with your school or local librarian to see if he or she is available to visit with your class. It is a great motivator for your students.

In Summary

Download the summer bookmark printable for your students. If you’re lucky enough to have a laminating machine at your disposal, laminate each bookmark and then tie a ribbon at the top. Download includes a parent tip sheet that explains how children should use the bookmark.