How to get kids excited about reading this summer!
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Have you noticed your students or maybe even your own children losing reading skills over the summer? ME TOO! This summer, I wanted a fun way to try and prevent that but still have a relaxed and fun summer setting. This is how my Summer Series was born!
I used summer themes and national days to plan out what I would suggest to you each week.
After I picked topics/themes, I chose the best picture books to match! {My Picture Book Inventory helped with this!} Then I planned an activity and treat to match the book. I am just SO excited about engaging and memorable reading experiences for the kids and even whole families! What is better than building fun summer memories while also building their literacy lives?!
Here is a little about each week and what you can do to crank out that summer fun and build a love of reading:
Week 1– SWIMMING
“Saturday is Swimming Day” tells the story of a young girl who is anxious about attending her weekly swimming lessons. The story captures the journey of facing and overcoming fears, and trying something new. To have some fun, go to the pool and SWIM. Play games like Marco Polo, Popsicle, or have funny hair competitions. Before heading out, create a quick Pool Day Themed Bag filled with Goldfish, Peachy Os (pool tubes), and watermelon on a stick to have on hand with that appetite you will surely have afterwards!
[Want more ideas using Saturday is Swimming Day? Check out our POP, Like a Confetti Moment resource featuring Saturday is Swimming Day. Inside you will find activities, reading comprehension questions, and mentor texts to go along. A simple reading activity for kids to practice is Story Elements. Print out this resource below!!}
Week 2- ROAD TRIP
“Our Great Big Backyard” follows the adventures of a young girl named Jane. Initially reluctant about her family’s road trip to national parks, Jane soon discovers the wonders of nature and the joy of outdoor exploration. ANDDD that having technology all the time isn’t worth it!
How can we have fun with this theme? The License Plate Game! See who can find the most states, but the state can’t be repeated. (There is an app called Plates and States Free where you can track the states and answer a trivia question about the state.) Or you can play games like the Alphabet Game: A is for applesauce, B is for Blanket…
Oh and let’s not forget something yummy! Make S’mores. All you need are Graham Crackers, chocolate squares, and marshmallows. Use a fire pit or pop them in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Week 3- NATURE
“Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the hidden and visible wonders of a garden through the changing seasons. After reading, have your child label parts of a plant. You will need construction paper, scissors, glue, and a pencil. Also get outside and plant a flower or seed with your child and let them cultivate it throughout the summer. Feeling hungry? Make the famous Dirt Dessert. You will need small plastic cups and spoons, chocolate pudding, crushed up oreos, M&Ms , and gummy worms.
Week 4- ICE CREAM
“Ice Cream Everywhere”is a delightful picture book that celebrates the joy of ice cream in all its forms. Naturally, you need to visit all the ice cream shops in town and rate the best ones. OR try and make your own ice cream! No sweet tooth? Create an ice cream sundae art project using ripped construction paper. Huge sweet tooth? Have ICE CREAM for DINNER! Go all out… all the flavors, toppings, and of course lots of WHIPPED CREAM!
Summer is so fun! I hope you find time to relax, soak up the sun, and create memories whether that’s with your own families or sharing ideas with your students and their families. Let me know below what other themes you’d like to follow in the summer series! I’d love to hear other treat and activity ideas, too!
