Earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and summer reading book
projects—what do these four things have in common? If you answered stress, then you are correct!
Certainly, the earthquake, the massive amounts of rain that have caused many flooded basements and now the likelihood of a major hurricane upon us are not stressors to be taken lightly. They are,
however, stressors that we have no control over because they are acts of nature.
For the high-schooler or middle-schooler, the stress of getting the summer reading book project is something that could be controlled. I have spoken to many high school and middle school students recently and it is alarming that they have not even started reading the book assignment. A few have not even purchased the book yet!
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For some students, this will not be a problem. He or she is the type of person who works best under pressure and will surely get it done. For others it is a different story, and time is running out.
The short answer of how to take care of the summer
reading project is doable. First, check in with your child to see that they have completed their reading as well as the written project that goes along with it. Ask to physically see it and read over it. This is your child’s first impression with their new teacher.
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Author Malcolm Gladwell has researched the effect of first impressions and has found that they certainly do make a difference. If your child is not finished, whether it be with reading the book or completing the written assignment, it’s time to take action. Create a calendar, plotting out what is happening between now and the first day of school, Sept. 6. If you have a picnic planned, write that down. Football practice daily? Write it in. One last trip to the shore? Mark
it. Next, have him take a look at what it is that he has left to accomplish and find the time to fit the reading and/or writing into the schedule, preferably finishing a day or two before school starts—we all know summer work is the last thing your child is going to want to do on the last day of summer vacation.
For some students, all they need is a little guidance and structure to get back into the mode. For others, it may take some convincing, persuading, or even bribing. Whatever works!
As for Irene coming, there is still some time to take care of securing objects, trimming tree branches, and purchasing food and water to avoid the stress. The bottom line is if we can learn to handle the stress and perhaps prevent the stress, then why not?
