Summer Reading

Summer reading is given to students every year. It is an assignment handed out which is to be completed by the time school starts next year. It is compiled of a list of books in which one must be chosen and read. The assignment also includes a project, usually one that requires time and effort that must be completed as well.

Schools are out for the summer. There are no more teachers and no more books. Students are ready for two months of summer fun. Going to the beach and hanging out with friends is what summer is all about. Nowhere in that itinerary does it include reading a book and completing a project. With all the activities going on there is no time to read, let alone finish a project. I find myself procrastinating until the last possible second. By the time I even pick up the book summer is over and the project is due. Incentive is nearly impossible.

For some students summer reading gives them something to do. For many, myself included, this assignment is not interesting. It is a complete waste of time. I have no drive to read a story and complete a project in which I express no enthusiasm in. I consider this assignment to be busy work English teachers give to students over the summer.

The summer reading project is not only a waste of time for students, but a waste of time for teachers as well. Any student is able to receive information about the book from friends; even the internet contains information about the book. Not once having to open the book and actually read a student can complete the given assignment. A teacher already knows what the story is about. There is no desire to grade a project that someone has put forth half the effort due to the fact they took the easy way out.

Any student can get an easy "A" on this project but that is not the point. There is no time to complete the assignment between swimming, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, even working.