I'm really excited to launch the month of June with my students tomorrow. We're wrapping up our last big unit of the year and then we'll be ready to start our "end of year reflections." They'll dig out their writing portfolios and reflect on every piece of writing that they did this year. After that important work, we'll launch our discussions around summer reading and writing. I absolutely love sending my students off with my summer reading and writing kits. I devote at least a weeks worth of time to this valuable work and I find ways to make it fun and exciting versus the dreadfulness that some kids assume summer reading and writing can be.
The teacher inside of me wants to use this space to preach how important it is to have your kids reading and writing as much as possible over the summer. The extra practice is invaluable. Notice how I also added in "and writing" - don't forget about the writing practice, too! The simplest little projects can go so far!
I'll be sharing some of my ideas for the summer reading and writing kits here soon. In the meantime, here are a few resources that I wanted to share:
1. Pottery Barn Kids Summer Reading Challenge- I'm sure you know that your local libraries and bookstores have awesome summer reading challenge programs. There are also so many great ones online, like the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. I stumbled upon Pottery Barn as I was looking up something completely unrelated to this topic. I found it fascinating that they offered a summer reading challenge! They offer great book lists, progress trackers, and links to many activities to do at home. Click here to read more!
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| I LOVE these tips from Pottery Barn Kids! |
2. PBS Video: Use crafts to strengthen your child's reading muscles. This was a recommended link on the Pottery Barn Kids page. The short video showcases a few crafts to strengthen writing skills, alongside summer reading. The ideas are super adorable. Creating a reading tree, where each tree leaf marks the each book you read. Creating a flower or train story wheel based on fun story prompts. Make sure you click here to check it out!
3. End of Year Mason Jar Gift: This obviously isn't related to summer reading and writing, but it is a cute end of year gift that your kids can help make for their teacher. I saw it featured on one of the link parties we participate in and I couldn't help but share it here, too! Mason jars painted like pencils... how adorable! And so easy! Click here for more information!
Tonight we're linking up with The Creative Collection link party! Click on over for many more amazing ideas!
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