3 Teachers Give Tips for Summer School Student Engagement
Summer is a time for some relaxation, but it’s also a period of continued learning for students enrolled in summer school. Whether they’re making up a class from the prior year or working on new material, the competition for students' attention heats up during summertime and presents challenges to consistent engagement. How can educators help?
In this article, we share insights from Edmentum teachers who have experience fostering student engagement during summer school. You'll discover strategies ranging from personalized communication and building genuine connections with students to helping them set clear goals and see the real-world relevance of their studies. Our teachers emphasize the importance of balancing academic pursuits with summer fun, ensuring students feel supported, motivated, and excited to learn.
How our teachers overcome the challenges of student engagement in summer school
Glen Phelps has 29 years of teaching experience, including 21 years in the brick-and-mortar classroom. He has a degree in Chemistry education and primarily taught Chemistry.
How Glen helps students stay engaged in summer school:
Texts and phone calls are my go-to tools for staying connected. In summer school, time flies—and it’s easy for students to get distracted or disengaged. A quick text or personal call reminds them that someone is in their corner and paying attention. It’s simple, but it works.
Cara Townsend has been teaching for five years. She has a degree in Collaborative Education K-6, a combination of Special Education and Elementary Education, from the University of North Alabama. She is a licensed teacher in Alabama, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Cara’s top strategy to keep students engaged in summer school:
My main tactics for keeping students engaged in summer school involve showing them that I am interested in who they are outside of school. I’m passionate about seeing my students for who they are first before we dive into schoolwork. We are all human and deserving of respect and care, no matter how much we have on our plates. I also try to support them in creating a daily schedule and to-do list so they know what is expected of them and what they need to work toward while still scheduling time to enjoy their summers.
Rachael Spence earned a BA in Economics, MEd in Secondary Social Studies, and EdS in Curriculum and Gifted Studies from the University of Florida. She has been teaching for 32 years, having taught social studies and math to K-12 students and methods of teaching to undergraduate and graduate college students. Rachael has been an AP Reader for the College Board for 6+years and has edited AP Economics textbooks for Bedford, Freeman and Worth Publishing.
Rachael’s tactics to keep students engaged in summer school:
When working with students over the summer, I do the following to help them have a meaningful experience learning:
1. Set Clear Goals: Encourage students to set specific, achievable goals for what they want to accomplish during summer school. This could be improving in a particular subject, completing a project, or developing a new skill.
2. Engage with the Material: Help students find ways to connect with the material on a deeper level. This could involve relating it to their interests, using real-world examples, or incorporating hands-on activities.
3. Stay Organized: Teach students to keep a schedule and stay organized. This can help them manage their time effectively and reduce stress.
4. Seek Support: Encourage students to ask for help when they need it. I remind them that getting support can make a big difference in their learning and mastery of content.
5. Balance Work and Play: Remind students to take breaks and enjoy their summer as well. Balancing work with leisure activities can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout.
6. Reflect on Progress: Regularly check in with students to reflect on their progress and adjust their goals as needed. Celebrating small successes can boost their confidence and keep them motivated.
How to make summer school a meaningful experience for students
Cara Townsend: Getting to know my students
For my ESS (Exceptional Student Services) students who are assigned to summer school, I try to start the day with a fun connection conversation. I love to hear what they are doing when they’re not working on their schoolwork. I love to find the answers to “who are you?” by asking about what fuels them and finding out, from their perspective, what is making their summer full.
Glen Phelps: Help students understand how their learning connects to their future
I help students see the bigger picture by using my feedback and messages to highlight how what they’re learning now connects to real-world careers and future opportunities. Science skills are important, whether it's understanding data, solving problems, or thinking critically.
Design your summer program with flexible, individualized, and evidence-based options that help students catch up and get ahead. You can also visit our virtual learning page to find out how scalable, human-centered, pedagogically sound virtual instruction can help you address teacher shortages, increase capacity, and expand options in your district.
