How to Do Summer Assignments Without Crying

TL;DR

Break summer assignments into weekly chunks, start in June or July (not August 20th), read actively (take notes as you go), and reward yourself after completing milestones. Summer assignments don't have to ruin your break — they just need a plan.

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The Summer Assignment Problem

You get your summer assignments in June. You glance at them. You think "I have all summer." Then suddenly it's August 22nd, school starts in a week, and you haven't read a single page.

This happens to almost everyone. But it doesn't have to happen to you.

The Plan: Break It Into Weeks

Step 1: List Everything

Write down every summer assignment:

• AP summer reading (books, articles)
• Math review packets
• Science preparation
• College prep essays
• Online modules or quizzes

Step 2: Count Your Weeks

If summer is 10 weeks and you have 3 books to read plus a math packet:

• Weeks 1-3: Book 1 (read ~30 pages per day)
• Weeks 4-6: Book 2
• Weeks 7-8: Book 3
• Weeks 9: Math packet
• Week 10: Review and finish everything

Step 3: Set Weekly Goals

Each Sunday, set your goals for the week:

• "Read chapters 1-5 of [book]"
• "Complete sections 1-3 of math packet"
• "Write outline for summer essay"

Step 4: Build in Buffer Time

Don't schedule work for every single day. Leave 1-2 weeks of buffer for vacations, lazy days, and unexpected life events.

How to Read Summer Books Effectively

Active Reading Tips:

• Take brief notes while reading (1-2 sentences per chapter)
• Note major characters, themes, and plot events
• Mark quotes that seem important (sticky notes or highlighting)
• Write a brief summary after finishing each section

Why This Matters:

When school starts, your teacher will expect you to REMEMBER what you read. Notes ensure you won't have to re-read everything.

Motivation Tricks

• Reward yourself: After finishing a book, treat yourself to something you enjoy
• Study with a friend: Find a classmate doing the same assignments and check in weekly
• Do it in the morning: Get your reading done early so the rest of the day is free
• Change your environment: Read at the pool, the park, or a coffee shop — not just your room
• Track your progress: Cross off completed tasks. The visual progress feels good.

Let Gradily Help With Summer Work

Stuck on a summer essay or confused by your AP reading? Gradily can help you brainstorm, understand complex texts, and get your summer work done — so you can enjoy the rest of your break.

[Try Gradily for Free →]

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Summer assignments are the price of admission for challenging courses. Pay it early, pay it in small installments, and enjoy the rest of your summer stress-free. ☀️