Okay, time for a confession. When I was a kid, I LOVED summer reading assignments. (I know, I’m a dork!) The excitement of being challenged to read something that I might not pick up on my own. Riding my bike to the bookmobile in the park near my house to pick out new books. Recording the books that I had read in order to get my Pizza Hut gift card or discounted ticket to Six Flags… Those memories are among my most cherished childhood memories.
So, in that spirit, Jenn and I (Amy) expanded on the idea of summer reading and came up with some summer activity challenges to keep you and your child going all summer. Ready for more challenges? Check out Amy’s Lego Challenges and Board Game Challenges.
Wishing everyone a fun, restful summer!
Love, Amy, and Jenn
Language
Comprehension:
Play I-spy on the road
Create a scavenger hunt with clues
Follow the instructions to make a favorite treat (or even slime!)
Read a short book but leave out the ending-then create a new ending
Draw a scene from a favorite book
Pick an animal and read a book or article about the animal. Share one new fact you learned.
Expression:
Journal or blog for camp/vacation/experience
Create a YouTube or written review of a movie
Write a summer postcard to a friend
Take turns adding different parts to a story
Play our favorite board games:
- Headbandz
- Concept
- Connections
- Gnomes at Night
- Taboo
Explain how to make something to an adult (like paper airplanes)
Have a debate about what you like better (chocolate or vanilla ice cream)
Reading/Phonics
Write Letters/Words in the sand or dirt
Make up silly rhymes for words
Find items that begin with the sound ______
Create a hopscotch board with letters instead of numbers
Partner reading where a parent reads one page and the child reads another)
Acting out books with voices for the characters
Audiobooks for long car rides
Read a book and then watch the movie. Discuss the similarities and differences.
Fine Motor/Sensory Play
Build a macaroni tower
Lego project for the family
Learn to knit or crochet
Draw with Chalk on the street
Make a diorama of a favorite scene in a book or movie.
Use old boxes and markers to create sculptures
Have a sandcastle-building contest
Play with a tub of water beads
Hit the sprinklers!
Play with water balloons
Social/Emotional Activities
Help a neighbor or relative
Learn a new board game
Play catch
Get together with a friend from school
Get together with a friend that you’ve known for most of your life
Get together with someone that you don’t know very well yet
Call a grandparent just to say hi
Read a book, and try to guess how the characters are feeling
Try something new (new restaurant, new food, new subway route, new playground…)
Write a thank-you note to someone
Get outside for a hike or bike ride