Summer reading is probably the last thing on your mind as you approach the last stretch of summer. However, since you can’t avoid it, why not make the most of it? Here’s some quick tips on how to finish your required reading and still have time to bask in the sunshine:
Start now. You are still at a point where you can start your summer reading without feeling overwhelmed by a lack of time. Don’t wait until the last minute where other distractions can come into play – you don’t want to start the year behind in your coursework.
Figure out how many books you have to read. If you only have one or two books to read, then the next few steps should be a breeze. However, if more than one professor gave assignments, then now is the time to put your organizational skills to good use! Figure out which books you need to read and which ones take priority.
Come up with a page count and set a goal for each day. You want to keep your summer reading as manageable as possible. Tally up the pages for each book and divide it by the number of days you have left before school starts, or the number of days you have for your reading goal (if you want the last few days of summer for yourself). Pick an even number of pages to keep things simple and pledge to stick to that page count each day.
Find something to appreciate about the book. You may discover you have nothing in common with the characters in the book, and the plot is less than thrilling. This is an opportunity to see the book from a different perspective. Is there something about the authors writing you find interesting? Perhaps you can research the setting of the book so when you’re reading, you can visualize it. This is your chance to learn something new, even if the book isn’t your favorite!
Take breaks, but keep a schedule. Be sure to pace yourself, and keep a journal or schedule so you can stay on track. This is a great tool for any kind of assignment and you may even get ahead of your schedule, which means more free sunny days for you.
Reward yourself. Sometimes reading can turn into a chore. Try to stretch out your reading goal for the day or stick to your regular page count but offer yourself a little incentive to stay on track. Or, you can even switch your reading assignments for a book you’re really interested in and alternate between the two.
Think ahead. Is there a fictional or real life character that you relate to? Perhaps you relate to a famous doctor, criminal lawyer, or Hollywood producer. Start looking into autobiographies to get inspired and think about stepping into their shoes with Envision’s many interactive, hands-on, summer adventure programs.
Reference: https://www.envisionexperience.com/blog/how-to-finish-your-required-reading-and-enjoy-the-last-days-of-summer
