Fun summer reading activities for new and reluctant readers
Summer is the perfect time for kids to embark on literary adventures that transport them to far-off lands, magical realms, and thrilling escapades.
Here are some fun engaging summer reading activities to ignite your child’s imagination and keep them flipping through pages all season long:
Reading log or reading passport
Design a “reading passport” for your child to stamp or mark each time they finish a book.
Include spaces for them to write down the title, author, and a summary or review of each book they read.
Not only does this add a sense of accomplishment, but it also serves as a keepsake of their summer reading journey.
Create a reading area
Encourage your child to build a cozy reading fort using blankets, pillows, and cushions. Transform a corner of your living room or bedroom into a magical reading sanctuary.
Let them decorate it with fairy lights or their favorite stuffed animals. Having a designated reading space can make the experience more exciting and immersive.
Join or start a reading challenge
Make reading a fun challenge by setting goals together. Create a reading chart or join a reading program in your area.
You can tailor the challenge to their interests by incorporating themes like “animal adventures” or “fantasy realms.”
Try a kids book subscription app with reading challenges already incorporate. Interactive elements, sounds and animations can help engage children and make reading even more fun and accessible.
Crafts and activities
Extend the reading experience beyond the pages of the book with themed crafts and activities.
For example, if they’re reading a book about dinosaurs, you could make dinosaur-shaped bookmarks or have a fossil-hunting scavenger hunt in the backyard.
Storytime picnics
Take advantage of the warm weather by hosting outdoor storytime picnics in your backyard or a local park.
Pack a blanket, some snacks, and a selection of books, and enjoy reading together amidst the beauty of nature.
Encourage your child to act out scenes from their favorite stories or even write their own outdoor adventure tales.
Family book club
Turn reading into a family affair by starting a summer book club. Choose a book that’s suitable for elementary-age readers and take turns reading aloud chapters each night.
Set aside time for family discussions where everyone can share their thoughts, predictions, and favorite moments from the book.
Visit your library
Your local library is a treasure trove of reading adventures waiting to be discovered.
Many libraries offer summer reading programs specifically designed to keep kids engaged during the break.
These programs often include fun activities, incentives, and events like author visits or storytelling sessions.
By incorporating these fun reading activities into your child’s summer routine, you’ll not only keep their minds engaged but also nurture a lifelong passion for storytelling and learning.
So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the reading adventures begin!
