Litha: Summer Projects & Review
Celebrate and create! At the summer solstice, enjoy optional projects, passion pursuits, and review activities to keep learning alive during the long days before high school.
UU Principle Focus
6th Principle: The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all
☀️ Summer Learning Philosophy
Summer is a time for rest, play, and following your curiosity. These activities are completely optional—choose what sparks joy and keeps your mind engaged without the pressure of formal schoolwork.
- • Follow your interests and passions
- • Read for pleasure
- • Explore the outdoors
- • Prepare gently for high school
- • Rest and recharge
📚 Summer Reading Suggestions
Historical Fiction
- • Code Talker (Joseph Bruchac)
- • The Book Thief (Markus Zusak)
- • Between Shades of Gray (Ruta Sepetys)
Science & Nature
- • A Short History of Nearly Everything (Bill Bryson)
- • The Body: A Guide for Occupants (Bill Bryson)
- • Astrophysics for Young People (Neil deGrasse Tyson)
Personal Growth
- • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
- • Mindset (Carol Dweck) - teen edition
- • How to Win Friends and Influence People for Teens
Just for Fun
- • Any series you love!
- • Graphic novels
- • Magazines on topics you enjoy
🔢 Math Review & Preparation
Keep your algebra skills sharp for high school math:
Review Topics
- • Solving equations and inequalities
- • Graphing linear functions
- • Systems of equations
- • Exponents and radicals
- • Factoring and quadratics
Free Resources
- • Khan Academy Algebra I
- • IXL Math Practice
- • Desmos Graphing Calculator
- • Math games and puzzles
🎨 Passion Projects
Choose a project that excites you:
Creative
- • Write a short story or poetry collection
- • Create an art portfolio
- • Learn a new instrument or song
- • Make a short film or documentary
Scientific
- • Design and conduct an experiment
- • Build something (electronics, woodworking)
- • Start a nature journal
- • Learn to code
Service
- • Volunteer in your community
- • Start a service project
- • Mentor younger students
- • Organize a neighborhood event
Exploration
- • Learn a new skill (cooking, sewing, etc.)
- • Explore local history and nature
- • Interview family members about their lives
- • Start a collection or hobby
🎓 High School Preparation
Get ready for the next chapter:
- ✅ Visit your high school if possible
- ✅ Review your course schedule
- ✅ Set up an organization system (planner, folders, etc.)
- ✅ Practice your morning routine
- ✅ Connect with friends who will attend the same school
- ✅ Research clubs and activities you might join
- ✅ Read any assigned summer reading
- ✅ Get school supplies early
☀️ Litha Celebration
- 🟡 Celebrate the summer solstice outdoors
- 🟡 Share passion projects with family
- 🟡 Have a bonfire or outdoor feast
- 🟡 Reflect on your middle school journey
- 🟡 Set intentions for high school
- 🟡 Celebrate the longest day with gratitude
🌟 Looking Ahead
Congratulations on completing 8th grade! You've studied revolutions and their consequences, explored the human body, developed life skills, and prepared for your future. High school awaits with new challenges and opportunities. Trust yourself—you're ready for this next adventure!