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Summer Activities for Students: 11 Ways to Improve Skills and Productivity

Katie June 3, 2024 career and internships , college tips , good habits

By Katie Azevedo, M.Ed.

Most students have seven summers to prepare for life after college. And as you know, these 10-week summer breaks go by quickly.

Where do I get the number seven? There are three summer vacations between grades nine and 12 and four summer vacations between grade 12 and college graduation. 3+4=7.

While summer breaks are certainly a time to lower the academic intensity and enjoy what life has to offer outside the classroom (so much!), these 10 weeks are also the perfect time to develop some life-long skills. Yes, I’m aware of how cheesy that sounds, but I’m so serious.

In this blog post, I’m sharing a list of summer activities for students — specifically 11 ways to improve your skills and productivity — which will make you a better student. My goal is that you’ll consider the ideas and implement at least three or four of them into your summer plan. The payoff will be huge: trust me.

11 Summer Activities for Students That Will Improve Skills and Productivity

The ideas below will not only make you a better student, but they will eventually make you a better professional. Why? Skills. Each of the ideas below builds at least one core skill that will never expire. In other words, develop the skill over the summer and you’ll have it forever.

1. Stick to a Schedule .

Time can feel weird (slow? fast? both?) over summer break. And while the slower pace is enjoyable (and sometimes necessary), it’s never a good idea to abandon time management altogether.

Sticking to some kind of schedule over the summer can give your days structure and can prevent you from wasting time and regretting that you didn’t use it better.

Here are a few ideas to help you create and stick to a schedule:

• Use a calendar. Here’s my complete tutorial about how to use a calendar over the summer (and why you need to be doing that)
• Wake up at the same time most days, even if you have nowhere to be.
• If you have a summer job, track your time and hours in a calendar.
• Plan at least one key event every day. A key event can be anything from running errands, meeting a friend, working on a project, cleaning your room, etc. A key event is something specific that you say you will do each day – and you do it.

How time management makes you a better student: 

Practicing basic time management over the summer improves your ability to manage time during the school year. It helps you build the habit of thinking about time, using your calendar, and making time visible.

I understand that not everyone likes to read. You might hate it. But this is one of those things that you do anyway because the benefit is undeniable.

Reading not only makes you better at reading, which is obviously a core school skill, but it also makes you better at thinking, writing and processing information.

If you’re a non-reader, the trick is to find a book that is relevant. Relevance is the magic ingredient when we’re trying to get ourselves to do something that we normally don’t enjoy doing. Interested in business? Read Josh Kaufman’s The Personal MBA. Interested in finance? Read Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money or Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. If you’re into self-help books, I recommend Brianna Wiest’s 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think.

How reading makes you a better student:

I said this already, but it’s worth repeating: Reading makes us better at thinking, writing and processing information . If I were to name the top three skills required for learning, it would be those three.  

3. Get a Job.

Working over the summer can absolutely make you a better student. Whether you get a job in retail, at an ice cream shop, or in a laboratory, jobs of all kinds will help you in the long run.

There are so many benefits to having a summer job – beyond earning money. Jobs are excellent resume-builders, they provide opportunities to meet and network with people, and they develop a wide variety of skills. Speaking of resumes, here are 3 ways to boost your resume over the summer .

How having a summer job makes you a better student:

Working over the summer teaches some of the most critical skills you need for school and work: time management, communication, discipline, task initiation, and organization. If you have ADHD, here are 4 tips to make your summer job easier.

4. Volunteer Somewhere.

Volunteering in any capacity, even if it’s just a few days over the summer, is arguably one of the most meaningful experiences you can give yourself. You can volunteer at an elder-care home, youth program, town library, or non-profit organization like the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club. 

Where do you find volunteering opportunities? Google “where can I volunteer in [name of your town]” for ideas, or call your local town hall or library. Another idea is to call a company you would like to volunteer at and simply ask them if they have any community service opportunities.

How volunteering makes you a better student:

Adding volunteer experience to your student resume enhances your school or job application and makes it stand out from other applicants who don’t have volunteering experience. And beyond the resume, volunteering teaches you many of the same life skills as having a paying job does: time management, communication, discipline, task initiation, and organization.

5. Exercise.

Unless you are physically incapable of exercising, you need to be exercising regularly – not only over the summer but year-round. We’ve got to get past the “but it’s hard and I don’t like it” rhetoric, because that’s not really relevant when it comes to taking care of our bodies. (Can you tell I’m passionate about this?)

I’m not arguing that we all need to pay for gym memberships or run road races, but every physically capable body should be engaging in some kind of semi-robust physical movement on most days of the week. 

How exercise makes you a better student:

The science behind the cognitive benefits of exercise is massive. Exercise increases focus, cognitive performance, memory, mood, and emotional regulation. It also keeps your physical body healthy. And without physical or mental health, learning can’t happen.

Exercise also teaches discipline, which is a driving factor behind academic success.

6. Get Organized.

The summer is the perfect time to get organized and tackle some of the disorganized areas that are holding you back. Here are some ideas for how to get organized over the summer:

• Clean up your digital storage space (Google Drive, OneDrive, your downloads folder, your desktop, etc.)
• Clean and clear your workspace
• Declutter your school supplies
• Go through your school papers and declutter/organize them according to these tips
• Clear out your email inbox
• Clean your car
• Clean your room
• Clear and declutter your clothes

How getting organized makes you a better student:

When you’re disorganized in school, these 5 things become SO much harder than they need to be . On the other hand, when you’re organized in terms of your time, materials and tasks, you can focus on your most important job, which is learning. 

7. Master task management.

Task management refers to the system we use to keep track of all the things we need to do – whether those are assignments or things we want to do for ourselves.

During the school year, task management essentially involves using some kind of planner or app to track your homework assignments and academic tasks. Unless you’re taking a summer course, your tasks over the summer won’t be academic in nature, but they still need to be managed.

In one of my most popular episodes on my Learn and Work Smarter podcast, I teach students and professionals how to create the ultimate task management system. You can listen to that episode below.

The summer can be a great time to improve your task management skills by getting in the habit of creating some kind of intentional plan for each day. This is related to tip number one because I’m suggesting that you don’t just live out your summer days by the seat of your pants.

If you’re new to task management, you can start by writing out a simple to-do list each morning. On this list, you would write five things you want to accomplish that day.

If you’re not totally new to task management, and you want to take your task management skills up a level, the summer can be a great time to experiment with different kinds of planners and task management systems. I like this simple one here and this one here.

Task management is a habit. And like other habits, we build it by doing it on the days we don’t need to. In other words, even if there’s a day you have nothing going on, take out your piece of paper and write a to-do list. Building habits happens when we do things on the days we don’t need to.

How task management makes you a better student:

The most fundamental characteristic of a student is completing assignments on time. If you complete your assignments on time, you’re halfway to victory. Getting good at managing your tasks over the summer will make you better at managing them during the school year, which in the end will lower your stress and tendencies to procrastinate.

8. Take a Class.

The most obvious thing to do over the summer that will make you a better student is to take a class. Why? Because doing something is the best way to get better at it. So if you want to get better at school, do more school.

I’m not suggesting students take molecular biology over the summer – not at all. A summer course in knitting or marketing or personal finance is just as important to building your résumé and your skills as any academic class. ( Here are 4 tips for taking intensive summer courses .)

Speaking of skills, the most valuable course you could ever take as a student is SchoolHabits University . That’s a big claim, but sSchoolHabits University is the only course of its kind that teaches students how to learn.

How taking a class makes you better a better student:

Taking a summer course makes you a better student because it provides you the opportunity to practice the skills you need for school. Specifically, SchoolHabits University teaches you the exact skills that you need for school and work, including task management, time management, note-taking, annotating, study strategies and organization.

9. Figure Out What You Want.

I debated putting this on the list because it’s a big one, and it’s not something that can be done in a day or even in a 10-week summer break.

At some point in high school (or college at the latest), students need to do some thinking about what they want for the future.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, and decisions aren’t permanent, but considering your life is the most important thing you have and time is your most valuable resource, I argue we should spend some significant time thinking about what we want to do.

If you’re in high school, it’s time to start thinking about what you do and don’t want to study. When I coach my students on this process, I almost always have them start by identifying what they think they don’t want. This is often easier than answering the question what do you want to do with your life ?

 If you’re headed to college, you might start thinking about what programs you’re interested in, where you want to study and what majors you want to explore – and then start talking to people who might be able to give you more information.

If you’re in college, then you’re likely already Involved in a program of study, so the questions you need to ask yourself or more around employment. What are you going to do after college? What do you want to do after college? Who can you talk to to get some clarity? The sooner you figure out some answers to these questions, the sooner you can spend your summer break making choices that lead you in the right direction, such as internships and employment opportunities.

How figuring out what you want makes you better a better student:

When you take the time to figure out what you want or don’t want for the next phase of your life, you can start making decisions that will take you in the direction you want to go. And when you make decisions that are aligned with your future goals, you’ll be more motivated because those actions are relevant.

(The more relevant something is, the more motivation we feel to do it.)

10. Do Your Summer Work.

Many students have summer assignments, whether for AP courses or for a general summer reading program. I understand how these things are easy to put off, or in the case of summer reading, to ignore altogether. But if you’re serious about becoming a better student, you wouldn’t do that.

Doing the summer work that’s expected of you is literally the least you can do if you have any goals whatsoever. ( Here are 3 tips for getting your AP work done over the summer .)

You might not like your summer reading, you might prefer to do something else , and you may have gotten away with avoiding it in the past. But if your goal is to make a change and not waste your time, then do the work.

Summer assignments only become stressful if you wait until the last minute, so if you combine some of the tips from this list (create a task management system and manage your time in the calendar), you’ll have plenty of time to get your summer assignments done by early August without any stress. Here are 12 summer reading tips for high school and college students .

How doing your summer work makes you better a better student:

When my students resist their summary assignments, I usually remind them that the assignment itself is not the point. In fact, I often agree that some assignments can be kind of lame. But again, that’s not the point. The entire point of assignments is to give you the opportunity to practice doing something when you don’t want to do it. And the better we get at doing things when we don’t feel like doing them, the easier school becomes. We learn to ignore the resistance and do the thing anyway.

Also, doing your summer work makes you a better student because you’ll be starting off the school year not behind in your work . This benefit is so obvious that I almost didn’t include it here.

11. Do Something Different.

We grow as people (and students) when we experience new situations where we have to respond to new stimuli. Novelty is literally the perfect environment for growth.

The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot to reap the benefits of novelty. You don’t have to travel across the world or learn a new language to trigger your growth. Even just small daily interactions and moments that you haven’t encountered before are enough to expand your thinking patterns and skills.

Here are some ideas that could count as doing something different:

• Hang out with a group of people you don’t normally hang out with
• Say yes to opportunities and invitations that you’d usually say no to
• Do your summer reading or AP work in a public library a few towns over
• Try a new place for lunch
• Ask a parent if you can go to work with them for a day
• Get on a train and go somewhere for the day that you haven’t been to
• Read a book from a genre you usually avoid
• Rearrange your room

How doing something different makes you a better a better student:

The most successful students are those who take calculated academic risks. They challenge themselves with harder courses, they sign up for new and unfamiliar activities, and they say yes to opportunities just for the benefit of seeing what it’s like. The more comfortable you are with “the unknown,” the easier time you’ll have when things don’t go your way. If you get used to trying new things in the low-stakes environment of summer break, you’ll be more likely to take positive risks as a student, rather than stay complacent in your comfort zone.

More Resources for Students Who Want to Do Something Productive with Their Summer

• 5 summer reading tips for students (video)
• How to make a summer reading schedule (tutorial with free download)
• Are summer courses even worth it?
• Enroll in SchoolHabits University , my comprehensive online course teaching students how to study smarter, manage their time, and get organized so they can perform like a top student.

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Summer Reading Assignments: How to Make Them Fun and Engaging

• May 14, 2023

Bid farewell to boring summer reading assignments! This post offers practical activities for making reading assignments fun and engaging for all students, even middle schoolers!

Allow Students Choice

Whether students are choosing a topic to write about or a book to read, you’ll notice that choice fosters buy-in, ownership, and motivation, so let them choose their summer reading titles.

Over the years, as both a student and a teacher, I’ve been required to read specific titles (too many to count). Except for once. 

I was attending a professional development session on literature circles, and we were directed to choose one book from a list of five. Imagine my delight! I felt motivated, so motivated that I read the book in a day. (The book was The Help , not a psychological thriller as I would normally choose, but definitely an anxiety-producing read.)  

This is one way to allow choice. Give students a list of titles to choose from.

But it’s not my favorite way. I prefer to let them choose any school-appropriate title they want to read. 

When doing this, students will need guidance because you have both readers and nonreaders in your classrooms. To solve this problem, view and discuss book trailers or review annotated reading lists with them. As you do, ask them to note three titles they are interested in reading on an index card. They’ll have a title chosen by the end of the period! (For details on this lesson with a list of recommended books, visit “Blog Post #20: Great Summer Reading Lists for Teens to Plunge into Today.” )

A Quick Summer Reading Assignment to See Who Read a Book

Alphabet reading check.

Even when summer reading is an assignment for the highest-performing students, not all will read during the summer. This can be a problem, especially when this assignment is the first major grade you’re taking for a new school year. To nip this in the bud, try this activity. It’s quick and challenging, and it will let you know who read during the summer. This, in turn, will give you the opportunity to conference with students and contact parents as needed before major summer reading assignments are due. 

• Each student will need one index card with a letter from the alphabet on it. (Use all letters, except for X and Z . You can write them on the cards, stick letters on them, or purchase and print my handouts.) Walk around the room and have each student draw a card without seeing the letter. 
• After each student has a card, have them write their names and book information (title and author) on the back of the card. On the front of the card, ask them to think of a word that begins with their assigned letter and connects to the novel. They will then write a paragraph that explains that connection. 
• Before they start writing, model the process with a novel you read. 
• If any students are stumped and can’t think of a word, then allow them to draw another card once more. This will help them (unless they haven’t read their summer reading book.) You will also find it helpful to allow a few volunteers to share their ideas for this assignment.

Of course, summer reading should be completed during the summer, and I don’t want to lower standards. However, I suggest making the assignments due a couple of weeks after school begins. This will help every student find success and allow new students time to complete the reading and assignments. 

Summer Reading Assignments

Summer reading choice boards.

Choice boards are a great way to differentiate, increase student engagement, and appeal to different learning styles. As a fan of giving students choice, these are my favorite of the summer reading assignments I’ve offered over the years. Here are two I’ve used.

A Writing Summer Reading Choice Board

At the end of one school year, our ELA team decided to shorten the summer reading assignment because we didn’t feel like we had enough class time to thoroughly cover the curriculum. (Our hour-and-a-half blocks had been cut to forty-five minutes to teach reading and writing and to prepare students for two state tests.) 

For this reason, we created one choice board for fiction and another for nonfiction. Both choice boards required students to choose and complete one writing assignment. 

The advantage to this is it’s short and sweet. You’ll spend one day on summer reading assignments rather than five days. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t appeal to a variety of learning styles. 

• At the top of the page, type a title, a space for a due date, and directions.
• Insert a table with nine cells onto a document or slide and stretch the table to fit the page.
• Type one writing assignment of equal difficulty (e.g., journal entries from the main character’s point of view, newspaper articles about significant events, a slideshow presentation that discusses themes, etc.) into each cell. 

A Choice Board that Appeals to Various Learning Styles

This choice board asks students to choose and complete three assignments. Students come up with some remarkable products, and it appeals to different learning styles. Plus, if you are short on time, you can modify the number of assignments you expect students to complete. 

• For this choice board, create a menu with points that add up to one hundred.
• Begin with three choices of easier assignments worth twenty points each (e.g., a bumper sticker with a theme, a social media profile for a character, etc.). 
• Move to more difficult assignments, again offering three choices (e.g., a book jacket, a movie poster, etc.) worth thirty points each. 
• Finally, end with the most difficult assignments at fifty points each (e.g., a scrapbook, trading cards, etc.). 
• Students choose and complete one assignment from each section.

Summer Reading One-Pagers

A summer reading one-pager allows students to use their creativity and critical thinking skills to showcase their understanding of a book. Plus, students like them because they only require one page! 

• Demonstrate what you expect students to accomplish by showing them examples of one-pagers. ( Chomping at the Lit offers some beautiful samples. After you complete the activity with one class, you can use your students’ work for examples.) 
• Instruct students to include images (e.g., symbols that represent the book) and words (e.g., themes, summaries, character traits, plot details, supporting quotes, etc.)
• Allow them to work with a template or a blank sheet of paper (their choice).
• If you want to hit a particular objective with the one-pager assignment, you can do that too. Take theme for an example. Students can include images and information that relate to a theme (or multiple themes) in their novel: topics, the theme itself, explanations of how themes are developed, and text-to-self, text, or world connections. Just make sure to review theme with them before you try this.

Bookmarks for Summer Reading

Another practical summer reading assignment is to have students create their own bookmarks with trifolds or eight-page books. 

• For the front of the bookmark, they can redesign the book’s cover. For the remaining pages, ask them to include whatever you want to assess (e.g., themes, summaries, literary devices, character traits, supporting quotes, sentences with specific phrases or clauses, etc.). 

How To Create a Trifold

• To create a trifold, fold a sheet of paper into thirds as you would a letter.

How To Create an Eight-Page Book

• Fold the paper in half three times hamburger style, 
• return to the first fold, 
• cut in the center on the folded side up to the crease, 
• return to an unfolded sheet, 
• fold the paper hotdog style, push the two ends together, and fold it into a book shape. 

Whichever you choose, model the book-folding process for students. 

Techie Summer Reading Assignments

Although 2020 caused many teachers to move away from technology use in the classroom, it has its advantages: student engagement, real-world learning, using it for instructional purposes, etc. 

With this in mind, if you have computers for every student, consider a technology choice board for summer reading assignments. Here are a few my students have had success with. 

• Novel-related infographics and collages with Canva . (Age restrictions apply for students under thirteen, but they can sign up for an account with parental permission.)
• Virtual museums with Slidesmania .
• Games on Kahoot . (In the U.S., there are age restrictions for students under 13. Also, it’s free for students and $3.99 a month for teachers.) 

Sharing Summer Reading Assignments

When their hard work is finished, many students will be excited to share it. One way I like to do this is with a line share. It doesn’t take much time, and it allows students to share their projects with multiple peers. 

• Have your students choose one part of their summer reading assignments to present to others.
• Ask them to form two lines with one line facing the other.
• Give them around five minutes to share their projects with their partners.
• When the allotted time has ended, have one line move one spot up with the person at the front of that line moving to the back.
• Allow them five minutes to share with their new partner.
• Repeat the last two steps a few times. 

Related Articles for Summer Reading Assignments

If you’d like a little help motivating students to read during the summer, visit “Blog Post #20: Great Summer Reading Lists for Teens to Plunge into Today.” Along with recommended middle school titles it includes links to Amazon, book trailers, and library associations.

If you’re interested in summer reading choice boards, slides with directions and graphic organizers for students, visit “Summer Reading Choice Boards” in my store.

Summer Reading Assignments in a Nutshell

• Allow students to choose their summer reading books. 
• Recommend titles by introducing them with book trailers.
• Do a quick reading check before major assignments are due to avoid future problems (e.g., failing grades).
• Give students class time to complete their summer reading assignments.
• Offer choice board, one-pager, bookmark, or techie summer reading assignments (whichever works best for you and your students). 

Thank you so much for reading! Please drop me a line in the comment section below to let me know what your students think of these summer reading assignments!

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8 Engaging Summer Assignments Your High Schoolers Will Actually Want To Do!

Have you ever assigned summer artmaking activities to your high schoolers only to come back in the fall to hastily thrown together, subpar work? Unfortunately, we have all been there!

One solution is to get rid of summer homework. While this makes our grading life a lot easier, it is not in the best interest of our students. Another solution is to accept crummy artworks, but compromising our standards is also not in the best interest of our students!

Summer assignments are beneficial for many reasons. They prepare students for the upcoming school year and course. The work keeps students’ creative critical-thinking brains fresh and their habits disciplined. It gives your students time to chew on certain ideas, even if it’s not the primary focus of their thinking all summer.

Let’s explore 8 low-pressure summer assignments your high school students will be pumped to complete!

As you read through the following ideas, think about which ones your students would be most excited about!

1. Visit a museum or gallery.

Nothing beats seeing art in person, especially for a generation of students used to viewing everything on a screen. Students can make a day trip to many large art museums —alone, as a group, or with their family. If you do not have any close by, smaller art galleries are another option. If in-person art viewing is not available, many museums are creating interactive virtual spaces where students can participate.

Provide students with a “cheat sheet” of museum choices, visitor information, and key artworks to investigate so they get the most out of their visit. Assign nothing but visiting the museum and looking at artwork. If you require “proof” from your students for a grade, have them take a selfie in front of their favorite piece.

Check out this podcast for  5 Ideas and 5 Museums for Virtual Tours. 

2. Interview an artist.

Students can reach out to an artist through a local gallery, college or university, email, or artist website. Students can also reach out to an artist via social media and direct messages! Let students select the communication channel to keep it stress-free.

Give students a list of tips for reaching out to an artist. As a class, students can brainstorm a list of suggested questions before parting for the summer. Students can present what they learned in various formats—video reflection, interview video, written format, podcast, or a formal presentation.

3. Destroy a canvas.

This is an unusual one, but it creates an opportunity for innovative artmaking in the future! Invite students to destroy a canvas, board, or piece of paper. Then, when students come back in the fall, they have to use the destroyed material and transform it into a new artwork.

Check out this portrait lesson that synthesizes media for ideas on incorporating and manipulating materials in new ways. Just make sure students practice safety when destroying their canvas!

4. Write a movie review.

Who doesn’t love sitting around and binge-watching a good movie or show? Students select an art-related movie or show to watch and write an informal movie review. Check out   24 Movies to Show in Your High School Art Room for title ideas.

Or peruse this list to get you started!

• Black Art: In the Absence of Light
• This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist
• Saving Banksy
• Struggle: The Life and Lost Art of Szukalski

5. Participate in the Getty Challenge.

The Getty Challenge was an amusing form of entertainment and way of experiencing famous works of art during quarantine last year. People recreated artworks with household items, pets, and family members from the comfort of their own homes. The results were hilarious !

Prepare a list of famous artworks for your students. Alternatively, allow students to select their own artwork based on their body of work. Students recreate the artwork using found items in their homes. This is a great opportunity to discuss appropriation with your students!

6. Attend a conference.

While our students love us, sometimes they enjoy hearing from others, too. Other artists, teachers, and students can share things in new ways. They can also teach content outside our personal expertise. Ask students to attend a conference or workshop over the summer. They could also sign up for a class at a local community college, arts center, or arts council. Preemptively reach out to these institutions and see if they will offer your students a discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask!

Have you thought about hosting a few speakers for your students to learn from this summer? Listen to A Conference to Inspire Your Students to hear how Lena Rodriguez created a conference for her students.

7. Curate a virtual exhibit.

Virtual art shows are all the rage right now! Have students curate a virtual exhibit and then “tour” each others’ spaces when they return in the fall. Students often surprise themselves as they get sucked into designing their gallery spaces. It’s a lot of fun to see what quirky items and props they include.

The work showcased can fit one of these parameters:

• Student’s theme of their body of work
• A specific era, time period, or art movement
• Common subject matter
• A specific culture or group of people
• Student’s portfolio of artwork
• Similar mediums or use of materials

For more information on platforms to use, take a look at  Creating a Virtual Art Show: A Time Capsule of Student Success and 6 Online Platforms to Showcase Student Art .

8. Read 10 children’s books.

Many high school students do not enjoy reading—except when it comes to children’s books! They get excited when a children’s book gets pulled out in the middle of a lesson.

Invite students to find and read ten children’s books on a topic or theme of their choice. The topic or theme can be based on their artistic journey and interests. Students can create a reverse mind map showing how the books stem from the core concept. If that last step seems like a lot of homework, table it for when students come back to class in the fall. Have students snap photos of the books they read so they won’t forget. This activity introduces how to brainstorm with mind mapping. It also starts a conversation about creating a body of work that explores different facets of one focused intent.

As you plan, keep in mind that for summer assignments to be successful and beneficial, they must be fun, low-pressure, accessible to all, and allow choice. 

• Fun—We want students to be intrinsically motivated to get the most out of learning. The work shouldn’t feel like work but lean more into exploration and investigation.
• Low-pressure—When intensive homework is given over the summer, students do not have a chance to have a real break. Just like we want to prevent teacher burnout, we also want to prevent our students from burning out.
• Accessible—If assignments have too many requirements, not all students may have access to complete the work. Summer homework can also be optional instead of mandatory. Students should not be penalized for not having transportation, supplies, or the financial means to complete the assignments.
• Allow choice—One way to make summer assignments accessible to all is to provide choice. Students can select an assignment based on their resources. Choice also allows students to select what speaks to their interests and passions, tying it back to the fun component!

For even more summer assignment ideas, check out  Fantastic Summer Homework Ideas for High Schoolers . 

What is a summer assignment your students love doing each year? 

How can you use summer assignments to bridge the end of the school year with the start of the next one?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Lindsey McGinnis

Lindsey McGinnis is AOEU’s Media Content Manager and a former high school art educator. She is passionately equipping art teachers to be successful in their classrooms and firmly believes that art is a safe place for students to explore and process the challenging topics and concepts around them.

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Summer Assignment

W e are committed to providing our students with opportunities to continue their academic growth during the summer months. We understand that summer is a time for rest and relaxation. At the same time, we believe that engaging in learning during the summer months is an important part of maintaining academic momentum and developing strong study habits.

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Assignment: That Summer Feeling!

Gear up, the most beloved season has just started for many of us, and it’s time we all get into That Summer Feeling!

For the next three months, you are free to explore any summer-related theme and evoke that carefree feeling of warmth, sun, and fun.

Summer brings explosions of heat but also lush greenery, so take advantage of any outing to show off the charms and joys of summer. Go to the beaches to cool in the breeze, have some water fun in the waves, and capture the spectacular seaside sunsets and sunrises. We spend more time outdoors this season, so take your family on forest hiking trails or to the park for a picnic and enjoy the sun, the sky, and nature.

Summer adventures include plenty of traveling, attending concerts and festivals, going to parades or fairs, and the long-awaited school holiday. Colorful crowds, spectacular tourist attractions or even remote deserted summer destinations are all great topics to render the summer feeling of relaxation and holiday. Nobody loves summer more than children, so focus on their joy: games, summer sports, playing with sprinklers, devouring watermelons or ice cream, and jumping up and down.

We do not accept AI-generated images for this contest, we expect to experience only originally produced summer shots and feelings.

You can win:

$1000 - 1st place $500 - 2nd place $300 - 3rd place.

Start submitting. Good luck and let the summer shine bright!

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• Assignments

Summer homework may start as early as elementary school, but you don’t have to do it the way it’s always been done! Veteran educators like third-grade teacher Alycia Zimmerman have spent time thinking about how to make summer homework meaningful and interesting enough that students buy in—and even want to do it.  

Read on for Zimmerman’s summer homework game plan and ideas for how to make summer assignments more fun for everyone.

1. Try a New Student Meet and Greet

If possible, meet your incoming students before summer break (even if it’s virtual!) to instill the importance of summer learning.

At the end of the school year, coordinate with the teachers of your incoming students to swap classes for a period. Introduce yourselves to your future students and build excitement for the fun and challenging learning ahead and the very “grown-up” summer homework you will assign.

“We’ve been far more successful in instilling the importance of our summer assignments when presenting about it face-to-face rather than just sending a packet of directions home cold,” says Zimmernan. “The students sit on the edges of their seats as we talk about the importance of summer reading and our certainty that they will do everything they can to 'keep their brains healthy, pink, and strong’ over the summer.”

2. Emphasize the Importance of Summer Reading

Talk about the best summer assignment of all: diving into books!

Reading should be a treat, not a menial assignment, so Zimmerman doesn’t feel guilty about making reading the bulk of her summer homework. Here are some of her most effective strategies for promoting summer reading:

Have students fill out a log  to keep track of the books and other texts they read over the summer. It isn’t necessary to require a certain number of books or specific titles. Simply ask that they find books they love and spend lots of time reading them.

Have your current students write book reviews of their favorite titles to send home with your rising students. Invite your current students to serve as reading ambassadors and speak to the younger students about the importance and joys of reading. When coming from slightly older peers, the message is very well received.

And of course: Sign your students up for the Scholastic Summer Reading Program ! From May 9 to August 19, your students can visit Scholastic Home Base to participate in the free, fun, and safe  summer reading program . As part of the program, kids can read e-books, attend author events, and keep Reading Streaks™ to help unlock a donation of 100K books from Scholastic – distributed to kids with limited or no access to books by Save the Children. 

3. Share Fun and Educational Activities

Direct your students to fun (and educational) activities.

When considering other homework, the best options are activities that students will be motivated to do because they’re entertaining. 

Give your incoming students the “everything is better in moderation” speech so they understand that they shouldn’t play hours of computer games every day this summer. If possible, send them home with printable and book-based packs to polish their skills for the year ahead (you can even pair these with your own assignments): 

4. Connect Through the Mail 

Stay connected with your students over the summer through cards.

Giving incoming students the opportunity to connect with you and with each other can motivate them to complete summer assignments. Here’s one plan for connecting via letters:

Have your incoming students mail you a letter of introduction. Explain that you want to hear about their summer activities, their hobbies, their families, and anything special they want you to know before the school year begins.

When you receive letters from your students, send a postcard back with a brief response. Tell them a bit about your summer plan, and let them know you can’t wait to see them in the fall. 

Encourage them to write again!

You can also pair up students and have them write to each other over the summer. In September, they can bring their pen pal letters to class to display on the bulletin board.

Take advantage of everyone’s increasing familiarity with virtual resources by connecting online, too! Post a short video, article, or question once a week on your classroom's online platform, and invite both incoming students and rising former students to write their thoughts in the comments section. Be sure to moderate their comments and enjoy their back-and-forth dialogues as they engage with each other.

Get started by shopping the best books for summer reading below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store .

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How To Finish Summer Homework Assignments: 14 Tips To Save Your Child’s Summer

• July 19, 2018

Many schools assign homework for students to complete before they return to class in September. This results in both parents and students having to learn how to finish summer reading and homework while balancing fun summer activities.

This summer, school is out and homework is in.

If your child has been putting off a pile of summer homework and reading assignments—he or she is not alone.

Reading books and writing assignments during the summer may not sound appealing to many students—or parents. Students can also get UK homework help if they need the some help with completing their assignment! But summer assignments are a great way to combat the effects of Summer Learning Loss and keep your child’s brain active over the break.

The Facts On Summer Learning Loss

Six weeks in the fall are spent re-learning old material Two months of reading skills are lost over the summer One month of overall learning is lost after summer vacation

With the right mindset, goals, and structure, you’ll have no problem finishing summer reading and homework between BBQ’s, ball games, and beach trips.

Follow these 14 steps to learn how to complete summer homework—without sacrificing summer fun.

14 Tips For Finishing Your Summer Homework Assignments

Make a game plan, tip 1: take a (quick) break.

It’s hard to go from a full year of schoolwork to tackling summer homework right off the bat. Let your child take a week off of homework at the start of the summer. This will give his or her brain a chance to relax and reset, and enjoy taking part in fun summer activities like sports.

Tip 2: Review Project Requirements

Don’t have your child dive head-first into his or her homework assignments. Review the expectations of each project with your child and discuss how much time he or she will need to complete them.

It would be a shame to waste time redoing a project because your child didn’t understand it initially. Reviewing all requirements is an important first step to starting off on the right foot.

Tip 3: Break Down Each Project Into A Series of Goals

Think about which assignments will take the longest and what your child will need to complete them during the summer. Break these larger assignments into a series of goals that need to be met to complete the project.

Examples of goals include “read 2 chapters per week” or “write essay introduction by July 15th”.

Set Aside The Right Amount Of Time

Tip 4: plan a weekly summer homework schedule.

This should be similar to a school year homework schedule, but altered for the summer. T he ideal amount of time to spend doing summer homework per week is 2-3 hours , so figure out where that time fits into your child’s average summer week.

Tip 5: Make A List Of Supplies & Resources

Your summer adventures could take you and your child to a wide variety of places. Make sure you both know what to bring with you so your child can tackle homework when not at home.

Examples of supplies include:

• Textbooks or Assigned Novels

Tip 6: Choose Assignment Topics Based On Interest, Not Length

Sometimes students are given options when it comes to topics to research or books to read over the summer. Encourage your child to make these decisions based on the topics that interests him or her most—not which is “easiest”. This will result in your child enjoying his or her work, and allow him to benefit more from it.

Help Your Child Do Work On-The-Go

Tip 7: adjust your homework schedule for trips & vacations.

Exploring new places is an amazing learning experience, so don’t feel like you should sacrifice them for more homework time. Instead, plan your child’s homework schedule around these day trips and vacations.

If you know your child won’t have time to complete work while you’re away on a longer trip, make up those hours in the weeks before and after your trip.

Tip 8: Tackle The Work Your Child Can Do On-The-Go

While writing an essay is a project to save for when you return home, there are assignments that your child can tackle from just about anywhere. Options for homework to do on vacation include projects that are doable in small chunks—like reading a book or completing a math worksheet.

Tip 9: Bring Your Child’s Supplies With You

Remember that supplies list you created? Make sure you pack that backpack and bring it with you on your trip! It’d be a waste to find a spare hour to finish that math assignment, only to realize your child left his or her calculator at home.

Tip 10: Capitalize On The Quiet Times

Even the busiest trips include some quiet time. If you’re early for a dinner reservation, have your child complete a chapter of reading while you wait. Or, encourage your child to wake up 20 minutes early to answer some math questions without disruption.

Build A Support Team For Your Child

Tip 11: schedule a weekly workdate for your child & a friend.

There’s no reason your child has to work through summer homework alone. Make a weekly work date with a friend where they can tackle summer assignments together. If that friend is in the same class as your child, they can even discuss questions and challenges together. Build A Support Team For Your Child

Tip 12: Review Your Child’s Progress Every Week

Each week, speak with your child about the work he or she accomplished, and what is planned for the week ahead. If you know your child will be busy soon, work together to reorganize his or her homework schedule.

Tip 13: Touch Base With a Tutor (Or Enrol In Summer Learning Program)

A new set of eyes can make all the difference in making sure your child gets his or her summer assignments done efficiently and effectively. Your child’s tutor will be able to give constructive feedback and turn this feedback into goals for the upcoming school year.

If you want an extra head start for your child this school year, enroll him or her in a Summer Learning tutoring program to get started on the right track.

And Most Importantly…

Tip 14: reward your child with summer fun.

While schoolwork is important during the summer, it doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of having fun. Whenever your child completes a new project or achieves a goal, reward him or her with a treat or fun summer activity.

Work Hard—And Play Hard—This Summer

Summer might seem like it will last forever, but the school year will be here before you know it. Don’t let your child fall into the habit of procrastination—instead, make a plan together and stick to it.

If you follow these tips, your child will finish summer homework and summer reading in no time…and develop great learning and study habits that will already be in place for next year!

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74 Summer Writing Prompts for Students to Keep Them Engaged and Creative

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: September 7, 2022  - Last updated: July 31, 2023

Categories Creativity , Inspiration , Writing

Summer vacation is a time for students to relax and enjoy themselves. However, it can also be a time for students to get creative and engage in writing activities. Here are 74 summer writing prompts to help students stay engaged and entertained during the summer months!

• What makes you feel like summer is finally here?
• What words can you use to describe summer?
• What does summer smell like?
• What happens at the beginning, middle, and end of summer?
• How did your school year end?
• Write down what you’re looking forward to this summer.
• What goals have you set for yourself this summer? (e.g., make a new friend, travel more often).
• Who’ll you spend the summer with?
• What’s the best part of summer?
• How would you describe a perfect summer day?
• Do you like to be outside in the summer or prefer to stay inside? And why?
• How do you feel about picnics in the summer? Do you have a favorite food or place to have a picnic?
• What’re three summer activities you want to do this summer?
• What summer activity is at the top of your agenda for your next summer vacation?
• What’s the worst thing that can happen during the summer?
• What did you do on your last vacation?
• What’s your favorite food to eat in the summer?
• Your favorite summer color?
• Your favorite summer clothing?
• Your favorite summer drink?
• Your favorite ice cream?
• Your favorite summer song?
• Your favorite summer story?
• Your favorite writing activity?
• Your favorite summer activity (beach, pool, etc.)?
• What’s your favorite summer movie and why?
• What kind of books do you like to read at the beach and why?
• What’s the most important thing about being home in the summer?
• What animal would be your spirit animal for the summer? (For example, a dolphin because it’s playful and friendly).
• You and your family are on vacation! What’re you doing there? (picture or story)
• What was it like the first time you went on vacation with your family?
• Write down the last time you went camping with your family or friends and describe what happened that day.
• What’s your favorite memory of summer camp?
• What crazy and ridiculous things can happen at summer camp?
• What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen in nature?
• Write about a song that reminds you of summer vacation.
• What’s your favorite summer memory?
• Describe the first time you went to the beach or swimming pool as a child and tell us about that experience (don’t forget to mention what happened before and after).
• Have you ever been to a waterfall? If so, how did it make you feel?
• What’s your least favorite summer memory?
• What would you like to do again?
• What does July 4th mean to you?
• What do you think is the best part of summer?
• What do you think is the worst part of summer?
• What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you this summer?
• What do we all have in common when it comes to our summers?
• What did you do this summer that you’re proud of?
• What’s your favorite thing to do outside this summer?
• If summer were a person, what kind of personality would it have?
• What did you not get done this summer that you wish you’d have had time to do?
• Where have you been this summer that you’ve never been before?
• What’s the best way to spend a hot summer day?
• What would be your dream vacation spot? And why?
• What’s the best way to cool off when it’s hot?
• What do you like to eat when it’s hot outside?
• What would it be and why if you could only take one thing with you on vacation this summer?
• How is daylight saving time different from wintertime (other than temperature)? Should there be more differences between the seasons, or are these differences enough?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• Write down what you’d do if it never rained again
• Write about what you’d do if the sun never came up again.
• Write an epic poem about everything you’ve planned for your summer vacation (and all the fun things that might happen along the way).
• Write an acrostic poem
• How do you imagine Christmas in the summertime?
• Write a short story or a scene at the beach where someone is trying not to get caught up in their worries while hanging out with friends or family-however hard that might be!
• Write about a time when you tried something new this summer, and changed your life.
• Describe what made this summer different from all other summers (in your opinion).
• If you could choose how long your summer vacation would be, what time would you choose and why?
• How will the upcoming school year be different than the last?
• Do you’ve homework to do before you go back to school?
• If you could choose one teacher for the upcoming school year, who’d it be?
• What’re you looking forward to when you go back to school?
• What’re you most afraid of when you go back to school?
• Write down 10 goals for the upcoming school year.
• Write down how you plan to accomplish these goals.

Summer Is a Good Time to Practice Writing

Here are some ideas for making the most of your summer writing prompts:

First, you can use them to encourage creativity in your students. Summer is when kids aren’t in school and not learning as much as they normally do.

You can help them take advantage of this downtime by giving them summer writing prompts that they mightn’t find in their textbooks – for example, writing about their favorite place in the world or describing a dream they had last night. This writing prompt allows them to create something new rather than just regurgitating information from earlier in the year.

Second, you can use summer writing opportunities to practice basic skills like spelling and grammar. Writing isn’t just about writing well, it’s about knowing how to spell and use words correctly, so other people understand what you’re trying to say!

Summer is a great time to practice these skills because students have no pressure at home (and can afford to make mistakes). A great way to do this is to give students homework assignments where they’ve to write emails or letters home about what’s been going on in their lives lately – summer vacation gives them plenty of time to think about it.

Improve Your Creative Writing Skills During Summer Vacation!

If you’re a student or a parent of a student, you know all too well how important writing help is during the summer.

Summer is often when students have a lot more free time, but it’s also when teachers aren’t around to provide helpful feedback and guidance. This can make it much harder for students to get the support they need to do well in writing, a skill that will be useful throughout their lives.

There are many ways you can use summer writing help:

• You can talk to your teacher about getting extra practice during the summer months. Many teachers offer “distance learning” programs where they create materials that students can use on their own time at home (sometimes even before school starts again). This way, they can continue to work on the subject matter and get additional practice on certain skills that may have been difficult for them during the year.
• You can request one-on-one tutoring with someone who’s experienced working with students like you! A tutor can help you understand what’s going wrong and give tips on improving your writing skills, so that next year doesn’t look like this year!

A Great Time to Journal

These creative writing prompts are also a great way for students to start journal writing.

When you first start writing a journal, it can be quite intimidating. There are so many different options; if you don’t know where to start, it can feel like it’s just not working for you.

But journal writing doesn’t have to be complicated! Summer may be the best time to try it – especially if you want your kids to get into the habit of putting their thoughts and feelings down on paper. Here are some tips on how to make journal writing more fun:

Start With Small Topics

Don’t take on the big topics right away, but write about something simple, like your favorite color or an animal that lives in your yard. This way, students can explore their feelings about these topics without feeling overwhelmed by the task.

Use Prompts That Evoke Emotions Rather Than Memories

For example, instead of asking them what they did last summer (which would likely lead them down a path full of memories of previous summers), ask them what they’d like to do this summer! This allows them to think

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Summer Photography: Ideas, Types, Tips, Settings, and Equipment

Get ready for an exciting article all about summer photography!

“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” Don McCullin

It’s time to capture those unforgettable summer moments and maybe even win our awesome Summer Photography Competition . There’s nothing better than snapping photos on a beautiful summer day, whether you’re hitting the beach, traveling, or just hanging out with friends and enjoying the gorgeous evening light.

We’ve put together a fantastic collection of ideas, types, and tips to spark your creativity. Our goal is to help you unleash your inner artist and capture breathtaking images that truly embody the spirit of this vibrant season.

And hey, once you’re done reading, we’ve got a special invitation for you. Join our thrilling Summer Photography Competition ! Show off your skills, unleash your creativity, and share your unique perspective as you capture the enchantment of this incredible season. It’s not just about the prizes, but also about celebrating the magic of summer through your photographs. So get out there and start capturing those amazing moments!

Fashion Photography

Use a different focal length.

Taking photos on a sunny beach is a wonderful surprise for photographers and a great idea for summer photography!

The beach offers countless chances to capture amazing things like colorful stones, interesting footprints, and stunning cliffs.

27 Best Beach Photography Ideas

Summer beach photography captures the essence of sun kissed shores and carefree moments. With golden sands, vibrant blue waters, and clear skies as backdrops, it frames the joy of frolicking in the surf, building sandcastles and basking in the warmth of the sun. 

As you explore the beach, you’re bound to take great shots and find intriguing photo worthy moments.

Assignments:

• Expanding Horizons: Use a wide lens to show the vastness of the beach and emphasize spacious foreground elements.
• Discovering Subjects: Seek out specific subjects at the perfect time, like a fisherman on the rocks or a sunset on the sea horizon.
• Unleashing Creativity: Get creative by drawing shapes or writing on the sandy surface to enhance your work.
• Beach-Themed Elements: Include summer-themed elements like umbrellas and drinks for beach photography.

Splash Photography

Splash photography is a super fun summer photography idea. It captures the happiness of summer with activities like jumping into pools and enjoying the beach.

Water makes the photos exciting and visually appealing, bringing back the thrill of those experiences. It’s an awesome way to capture vivid memories and energetic, enjoyable shots.

• Freeze the Flow: Take the excitement of a moment by using a high-speed shutter to freeze water movement.
• Mastering Aperture: Explore the impact of aperture on splash photography to prevent underexposure.
• Perfect Water Drops: Shoot flawless round water drops by controlling lighting and avoiding ridges or shadows.
• DIY Splash Photography: Create dynamic splash photos at home by dropping objects or shooting water from a faucet.

Underwater Photography

Underwater Photography: A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine a sunny summer day, and you think of water. Capture your fun summer moments and memories with underwater photography. You can do it in oceans, lakes, or pools, depending on what you like. It’s a challenging but exciting summer photography idea.

Get a waterproof case for your camera and choose what you want to photograph, whether it’s underwater creatures or cool selfies.

• Capturing the Subject: Choose a specific subject, like selfies or underwater landscapes, and capture their movements.
• Pre-Submersion Preparation: Adjust camera settings in advance for easier underwater shooting and avoid manual mode. 
• Mastering Underwater Lighting: Pay attention to underwater lighting and set the white balance to daylight.
• Patience and Composition: Be patient, take multiple shots, and apply composition rules for impactful underwater photos.

Food and Drinks

Food photography is another important subject among summer photography ideas. Summer food brings to mind refreshing cold drinks in hot weather, juicy fresh fruit, and delightful beach picnics. These visually enticing photos not only captivate the eyes but also evoke the senses of smell, taste, and nostalgic memories.

As summer months arrive, employ effective tricks to capture stunning photos of this season’s delectable treats via food photography.

• Lighting Mastery: Experiment with natural and artificial light to showcase vibrant food colors effectively.
• Varied Angles: Photograph food from diverse perspectives, including flat lay and alternative angles.
• Creative Composition: Create visually pleasing compositions with a simple backdrop and well-arranged props.
• Inspiration: Incorporate seasonal elements like citrus slices to convey the essence of summer.

In summer photography, abundant sunlight presents challenges and opportunities. Shadows are also on our list of summer photography ideas.  

While shadows can be distracting, they can also be creatively utilized to add interesting effects when mixing with sun flare.

Additionally, sunlight and shadows offer possibilities for captivating black-and-white photography , allowing professional photographers to create unique works.

• Shadow Patterns: Find captivating patterns created by shadows on walls or subjects.
• Creative Placement: Experiment with placing shadows on your model’s face or body.
• Perfecting Shadow Lighting: Seize appealing shadows on buildings, cobblestones, or your model.
• Standout Shadow Shots: Seek edged shadows with clear designs for standout photos.

Summer photography thrives on vivid colors and contrast. Another interesting subject of summer photography ideas is playing with colors. Seek out vibrant hues in your photos, as they captivate the viewer’s attention. 

Embrace the opportunity to shift your color palette during this season, adding more vividness and clarity to your photos and making your work visually striking.

• Playful Contrasts: Mix contrasting colors or incorporate vibrant colors in your images for a fun and engaging effect.
• Seasonal Color Harmony: Choose primary colors associated with the season and create harmonious compositions by coordinating and matching those colors.
• Selective Color Combination: Avoid overwhelming your work with too many colors; instead, strategically use a limited number of colors for focused and impactful shots.

Silhouettes

In the summer, the sun brings life to everyday scenes, making them lively and vibrant. Embrace the shadows and silhouettes around you to add a touch of mystery to your photos. You can turn almost anything into an intriguing silhouette.

The beach is a perfect place for capturing stunning silhouette images, and sunsets create ideal conditions for portrait and conceptual photography, especially silhouettes.

• Silhouette Techniques: Shoot toward the light source to create striking silhouettes. Expose the background to keep the subject black.
• Shape Selection: Choose distinct and recognizable shapes to make your silhouettes visually appealing.
• Golden Hour Silhouettes: Capture beautiful silhouettes during the golden hour by positioning your subject between yourself and the sun.

The summer night is like a perfection of thought. Wallace Stevens

Local Events

Summer invites people to embrace the outdoors and enjoy a plethora of fun events which has its own place as a fun summer photography idea. 

Take advantage of the good weather by exploring local entertainment options for exciting summer photography ideas. Keep an eye on what’s going on in your area to capture the vibrant spirit and joy of summertime.

• Event Exploration: Research and photograph local summer events like festivals like hot air balloons and concerts.
• Storytelling Frames: Record the different stages of an event, from preparation to performance and interactions.
• Embrace Summer Vibes: Convey the soul of summer through vibrant and joyful pictures.

Summer camps offer a special chance to showcase your photography skills and freeze cherished memories. 

The best camp images portray the happiness and beauty of the experience, capturing candid moments that reflect friendship and joy.

A single photo has the power to encapsulate an entire camping memory, preserving it for as long as desired.

• Subject Mastery: Choose a subject, focus on it, and create a masterpiece.
• Dynamic Colors: Use vibrant colors to capture the joyful mood of your family and friends in the camp.
• Nighttime Energy: Record lively nighttime events with an external flash for high-quality photos.

Types 

The sunny days of summer provide an ideal backdrop for portrait photography. With warm weather and ample opportunities for outdoor shoots, you can take stunning pictures.

Summer clothes enhance the attractiveness of models, while couples exude romance against a sunny backdrop. 

The pleasant weather contributes to people’s happiness and cheerful expressions, making it easier to capture captivating pictures.

• Sunset Magic: Take mesmerizing pictures using the magical light of sunset and consider the golden hour.
• Background Harmony: Choose backgrounds that match the season or complement your model’s clothing.
• Scenic Shots: Explore parks, beaches, waterfalls, and flower-filled plains for stunning summer portraits.

Landscape 

Landscape photography becomes enchanting in the summer when nature thrives. 

Vibrant greenery, sunny vistas, and summer blooms provide an exceptional chance to shoot dreamy nature pictures. 

Immerse yourself in the beauty of natural events and let the allure of the outdoors inspire your landscape photography.

• Florals: Capture the vibrant colors of wildflower, poppy, and lavender fields against a lush green backdrop.
• Coastal Beauty: Photograph stunning coastlines with sunrise or sunset as a backdrop, experimenting with capturing the motion of sea waves in the golden hour. 
• Celestial Delights: Create captivating images of the night sky, whether it’s star clusters, the northern lights, or a city skyline illuminated at night.

If you’re looking for more tips on summer landscape photography, I recommend watching this video .

The summer sky whispers to me, urging me to show its vastness on canvas. Vincent van Gogh

Summer sports photography offers an excellent opportunity to showcase your skill in capturing dynamic moments.

From beachfront to mountains and urban settings, there are endless fun activities to document. 

Embrace the energy of summer and seize the excitement of sports in your photographs.

• Sunlight Action: Capture sports using different sunlight angles and fast shutter speeds.
• Surfer’s Harmony: Find the perfect balance between surfers and their backgrounds.
• Dramatic Boating: Show the intensity of boating activities with dynamic action shots.
• Human Connection: Emphasize people’s reactions and moods in your sports photographs.

Wildlife 

In the summer, wildlife thrives in the heat and extended daylight hours. 

Explore the countryside teeming with insects, blooming wildflowers, vibrant young birds, and growing mammals, providing endless opportunities for captivating wildlife photography.

• Macro Magic: Capture the colorful world of dragonflies and butterflies through macro photography .
• Mammal Moments: Patience pays off as you photograph mammals and their young in fields and pastures.
• Be Ready: Keep your camera on hand to seize spontaneous wildlife moments.
• Be Respectful: Maintain a safe distance and respect wildlife while capturing their natural behaviors.

Fine Art 

Fine art photography is a creative expression where photographers use their vision to convey ideas, messages, and emotions.

In summer photography, fine art captures the season’s soul and communicates with viewers on a deeper level. 

Whether the subject is ordinary or extraordinary, fine art photography evokes the photographer’s feelings through powerful imagery.

• Color and Nature: Explore the lively colors of nature during the season and create visually striking fine art photographs. 
• Summer Moments: Seize the soul of summer through candid and documentary-style fine art photography.
• Abstract Landscapes: Create abstract fine art photographs that depict the spirit of summer landscapes in unconventional ways.

Street Photography

Street photography captures the daily life and essence of the streets through conceptual pictures. 

In summer, bustling cities and vibrant streets offer abundant subjects. 

By exploring the city with patience, you can record compelling moments and create impactful images.

For those passionate about summer street photography, I recommend taking a look at this captivating video .

• Cyclists: Take great photos of cyclists against a backdrop of summer elements, showcasing their adventurous spirit.
• Market Moments: Photograph energetic interactions between people at local markets.
• Bird’s Eye View: Explore high vantage points for unique street views that are not typically seen from ground level.
• Color Splash: Photograph the current excitement of the city using the lively colors of the season in your compositions.

In summer fashion photography, incorporating the unique clothing and accessories of the summer season adds an extra touch of beauty and fascination to the images, and you can start creating an extraordinary visual experience.

• Summer Style Delight: Dress your subject in a variety of cheerful summer clothes, focusing on the essence of the season.
• Sizzling Summer Backdrops: Incorporate summer backgrounds into your fashion photography, to enhance the summery theme.
• Coastal Chic: Take advantage of the beach and coastal locations to create captivating fashion shots.
• Adding Visual Interest: Play with contrasting colors and utilize relevant accessories to add visual interest to your work.

Pay Attention to Summer Sun

To take stunning summer photos, master the art of lighting by observing the sun’s conditions and taking advantage of sun flare. 

Consider the clarity of the sky and the position of the sun. Overcast skies provide the diffused light ideal for portrait photography, flowers, and woodland scenes. 

Clear skies create challenging high-contrast light, but shooting during the golden hour or blue hour offers softer light for better results.

The sun always shines brighter in summer, and so does my camera. Unknown

Explore Local Area

Enjoy the summer weather with outdoor activities like walking, running, cycling, and boating. It’s the perfect and only time to embrace nature and have fun under the sun. 

Exploring your neighborhood is one of the great summer photography tips. Notice the children playing, vendors, and families enjoying in the parks and doing outdoor activities. 

Use a Polarizing Filter

Using a Polarizing filter in bright sunlight is one of the important summer photography tips. It reduces exposure by two stops. It deepens the blue sky, eliminates reflections, and enhances color saturation. 

Note that polarizers reduce exposure by two stops, requiring slow shutter speed, careful adjustment, and settings. Find the optimal camera settings and consider using a tripod.

Experiment Free-lensing 

Try Free-lensing on clear, long summer days by holding a detached lens slightly away from the camera. It creates focused and shallow images with a dreamy look. 

Use this technique to get close to objects, especially with small lenses.

Long Exposure

Seize pure moments on summer days and nights with the right long-exposure photography. 

Try astrophotography with the crescent moon and stars or take shots of waterfalls and waves with long exposures. 

For city dwellers, experiment with long-exposure street photography especially in golden hours.

 Use a tripod and remote control to avoid camera shake, and consider using an ND filter for daytime long exposures.

If you’re intrigued by the art of long-exposure photography during the summer, we invite you to check out this informative video. 

Change Your Perspective

Take unique and captivating photos by changing your point of view. Experiment with different positions and don’t be afraid to try new angles. Embrace trial and error to find the perfect shot. Consider the great idea of using a drone for taking photos from a top-down perspective, transforming busy beach scenes into abstract images with colorful umbrellas and dreamlike ocean waves.

Look for Details

Focus on details to evoke relaxation and fun of summer days. This artistic approach adds depth to your work and engages viewers by piquing their curiosity. 

Use appropriate lenses to photograph details without disrupting the scene. Opt for shallow depth of field and wide aperture lenses to enhance the effect.

 Look for objects associated with summer activities, like surfboards against a brightly lit wall or a pair of sunglasses as inspiring subjects for your photography.

Expand your photography horizons this summer by experimenting with different focal lengths.

 Experiment with wide, standard, and telephoto focal lengths to take diverse scenes. 

Explore wide-angle views for landscapes, standard lenses for portrait photography, and telephoto lenses for distant horizons. 

Embrace the versatility and spark creativity in your favorite summer photography ideas.

Preparation

Plan ahead for summer photography. 

Make a list of your favorite subjects and the necessary equipment. 

Consider the heat and intense light by wearing cool clothes, a hat, sunglasses, wear sunscreen, and staying hydrated with plenty of water bottles. 

Stay prepared and make the most of your summer photography.

ISO: In well-lit situations, start with a low ISO setting such as ISO 100 or 200.

Aperture: Aperture f/8 to f/16 is suitable for landscapes to achieve greater depth of field. Use a wider aperture such as f/2.8 for portrait shots to create a sharper background.

Shutter Speed: In bright daylight, use a faster shutter speed to avoid overexposure.

White Balance: Set the white balance to “Daylight” or “Auto” to take accurate colors in natural light conditions.

Focus Mode: For still subjects, use single-shot autofocus (AF-S) mode. For moving subjects, switch to continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode to keep the subject in focus.

Shooting Mode: Always always shoot directly in RAW format. RAW files retain more information and will be easier to edit and process the photo.

Famous Photographers with Summer Photos to Follow on Instagram

Adam Senatori : Adam is a renowned Instagram photographer known for his landscapes, environmental portraits, and aerial direction.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adam Senatori (@adamsenatori)

Laura Pritchett : Laura is a multi-talented artist who combines photography and painting, creating art that goes beyond the ordinary.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Laura Pritchett (@bythebrush)

İlhan Eroğlu : Travel photographer whose accolades include being ranked #1 by 500px in the City and Architecture Photos category in 2016.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by İlhan Eroğlu (@ilhan1077)

Summer Photography Equipment

Here is a list of essential summer photography gear, remember, this list may vary based on your specific summer photography idea, needs, and preferences.

Camera : A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera with manual control gives you the flexibility to capture high-quality images.

lens : Carry a versatile lens such as a zoom lens for general photography. Additionally, consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a telephoto lens for distant subjects.

Tripod : A sturdy tripod is useful for steadying your camera during long exposures. Look for a light and compact tripod for easy portability.

Filter : (ND) filters can help control light and achieve long exposures, especially on bright days. A polarizing filter can reduce reflections and enhance colors.

Memory Card : Carry several high-capacity memory cards to store your photos.

Camera Bag : Get a durable and comfortable camera bag that will hold all your camera gear and protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental bumps.

Cleaning kit : Dust, fingerprints, and smudges can affect image quality, so stock up on a cleaning kit that includes a microfiber cloth, lens cleaning solution, and a blower brush.

Sun Protection : When shooting outdoors, carry Hat ,   sun cream , and don’t forget sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Waterproof Cover : If you plan to shoot underwater or in rainy weather conditions, buy a waterproof cover or case for your camera.

Summer Photography Competition

Join our Summer Photography Competition and get ready for an exciting adventure!

Share your favorite summer memories through photos and stand a chance to win amazing prizes. Don’t let this opportunity slip away to show off your skills and have a shot at the grand prize!

Summer Photography Competition 2023

Unlock Your Photographic Potential with Photogenic Mind – Where Every Click Tells a Story.

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Happy Summer! 

Below, you will find the list of assignments for the summer of 2024. to view, please click on the subject and select the course you will be taking during the 2024-2025 school year. please contact department supervisors with any questions. .

• English Summer Reading Presentation
• All CP courses, including English 1, 2, 3, 4 and Humanities 9, 10, 11
• English 1 Honors & Humanities Honors
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• English 3 Honors & Humanities Honors
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• AP Lang & Comp
• AP Lit Summer Reading Handout
• AP Lit Book Review

With any questions, please contact the English Department Supervisor,  Kevin Wittmaack. 

Mathematics

• Algebra 1 (HMS)
• Algebra 1 Honors
• Algebra 2 CP
• Algebra 2 Honors
• Geometry CP
• Geometry Honors (HMS & LHS)
• Precalculus CP & Honors
• Students will need to join the course’s Schoology page to access the assignment. The access code is: DCD8-NCK8-G6QWZ
• Calculus CP
• AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus BC WebAssign Instructions

AP Calculus BC WebAssign Code

• AP Computer Science A
• AP Statistics

With any questions, please contact the Math Department Supervisor,  Antonio Matheus.

• Biology Honors
• Pick up book before leaving for summer
• Chemistry Honors
• AP Chemistry
• Environmental Science Honors
• There is no summer assignment for AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1
• There is no summer assignment for AP Physics 2
• For both Mechanics and E&M
• If taking both, only do the assignment once
• Introduction to Research Methods Honors
• Intermediate Research Methods Honors
• AP - Advanced Research Methods

With any questions, please contact the Science Department Supervisor, Brian Carey. 

Social Studies

• Upon your return in September, you will have an opportunity to discuss the summer assignment with your teacher and classmates. At the conclusion of these introductory lessons, a graded multiple-choice quiz and an in-class writing assignment will be administered. It is critical that you carefully complete the assignment and bring all materials with you to class on the first day of school.  
• Foner Chapters 1 and 2 - REQUIRED READING
• Additional Readings: Descriptions and Links Here
• US I Humanities Honors
• AP US History II Summer Assignment
• AP Psychology
• AP European History Summer Assignment
• AP Human Geography
• AP African American Studies
• AP World History: Modern

With any questions, please contact the Social Studies Department Supervisor,  Charles Raphael. 

Visual & Performing Arts

• AP Studio Art
• AP Digital Imaging
• AP Photography
• AP 3D Design
• AP Art History
• AP Music Theory

With any questions, please contact the Visual & Performing Arts Department Supervisor,  Mara Rubin. 

World Language

• Chinese 3H, 4H and AP

With any questions, please contact the World Languages Department Supervisor, Alexandra Marzulla  

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16-year-old Quincy Wilson to run men's 400m final tonight at U.S. Olympic trials

EUGENE, Oregon — A Hayward Field fan favorite has blossomed in the form of 16-year-old sensation Quincy Wilson .

Running against competitors nearly twice his age at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials , Wilson’s captured the support and attention from spectators at the stadium and watching from home as he raced into Monday night’s 400 meters final. The top three finishers in the final will make Team USA and go to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Wilson broke the under-18 world record when he ran a 44.66 in the first round of the 400 meters on Friday. Then he broke the record again Sunday by running a 44.59 to advance to Monday’s final, which is scheduled for 9:59 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

Wilson will be running out of Lane 2.

"It means a lot to me because it means my hard work has been paying off," Wilson said after qualifying for the final. "I'm just excited for myself."

16-year-old Quincy Wilson with a tremendous effort in the 400m semi! He has officially QUALIFIED for the final. 👏 #TrackFieldTrials24 pic.twitter.com/nL4Nj8m5BT — NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 24, 2024

Wilson, who attends Bullis School in Maryland, is entering the 400 final with the fourth fastest qualifying time. He is behind Quincy Hall (44.42), Bryce Deadmon (44.44) and Vernon Norwood (44.50).

Not surprisingly, Wilson has earned the admiration of his competitors.

"It’s spectacular. A 16-year-old coming out here, competing like a true competitor, not letting the moment get too big but living in the moment," said Olympic gold medalist Michael Norman, who also advanced to the final. "It’s great to see young talents like him elevate and push us to run a little faster, and take us out of our comfort zone. I think he has a bright future."

Wilson said his race plan went out the window during the first rounds of the trials, and his ability to qualify was all heart.

“I’m just running for my life out there," Wilson said. "I have a lot of things I can do to improve myself. I’m in the world’s biggest final coming up. At 16 years old, I’m ecstatic right now. ...It’s one of the happiest days of my life."

Olympic hopeful doesn't yet have driver's license

In some ways, Wilson is like his fellow competitors: He’s repped by a major apparel company after signing an NIL deal with New Balance last September. 

In other ways, he’s extremely different. He gets straight As, for example … because he’s still juggling full-time school with training. Also of note: He does not yet have his driver’s license, and isn't sure when he'll get it. He doesn't have time to study or practice driving, what with trying to make the Olympic team and all.

“I don’t know when I’m gonna get my driver’s license at this point.” – 16-year-old Quincy Wilson after his 44.59 to advance to the U.S. Olympic Trials 400m final 😂 pic.twitter.com/vaNU7ZGsrI — Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) June 24, 2024

Wilson is coached at Bullis by Joe Lee, a former youth pastor who’s been at the Potomac, Maryland, private school for 11 years. Before Wilson, Lee coached Wilson’s cousin, Shaniya Hall , a sprinter who starred at college track powerhouse Oregon the last four years, where she helped the Ducks to two Pac-12 relay championships. 

After his blistering opening round Friday, Wilson was asked if he held back at all considering it was just a heat. He smiled.

“It’s a different game," he said. "I’m not in high school anymore, I’m running with the big dogs now, so I gotta give it my all.” 

He brushed off concerns about if he’d be able to recover fully. 

“I know my training and my coaching,” he said. “They have me in the right position.” 

That goes for the mental side, too. Asked what his nerves were on a scale of 1-10 after his first race, he again gave off his megawatt smile before declaring, “Probably like a 2.” 

“I’m just racing against bigger people,” Wilson said, a nod to both his competitors' physical stature and brand names. “But to me everybody puts their spikes on the same way I do, and I train just as hard as they do.” 

He made it clear he’s not just here to enjoy the experience, either. He wants to win. 

Could Wilson make the Olympic team?

Norman, who ran in his first trials at 18, seemed somewhat skeptical that the 16-year-old would claim a spot on the Olympic team in the 400.

Asked if he viewed Wilson as a contender, Norman was blunt.

“It’s tough,” he said. “There’s people out there fighting for money right now. He made the final. It’s very hard to say. This is probably his first time running three rounds. I remember (my first trials), running three rounds in the 200, I was cooked.”

But he wasn’t ready to write Wilson off entirely.

“Kids are different now, so it’s definitely possible,” Norman said. “He could definitely sneak into a relay spot for sure.”

High school track phenoms are rare at the Olympic Track & Field Trials, but not entirely unheard of: In 2016, 16-year-old Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone finished third in the 400 hurdles, and qualified for the Rio Games. She did not make the final in Rio. (McLaughlin-Levrone is favored to win the 400 hurdles later this week). McLaughlin-Levrone was the youngest athlete to make Team USA’s Olympic roster in 36 years.

Erriyon Knighton, one of the world’s top 200 runners, made the Tokyo roster as a high school junior, finishing fourth in Japan. Knighton won bronze at the 2022 World Championships. He’s entered in the 200 later this week.

Should Wilson qualify for Paris, he would be the youngest-ever male member of the American Olympic track team.

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