Get Outside and Read
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and read. There is nothing better than fresh air and sunshine, while dreaming and learning from a great book. First start by visiting your local library to explore the endless reading options. Below are a few ideas to get you started on your outside reading time.
A family favorite for us is a snack and a good book! A great one to try is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. After reading about all the yummy foods that the caterpillar eats, we end the reading with a special snack or a picnic! Nothing better than filling your mind and belly! There are LOTS of “picnic” themed books….so happy snacking!
Max and Marla are Having a Picnic
Another fun activity to do is to read under the stars. One of our favorites for this is Fancy Nancy Stellar Stargazer by Jane O’Connor. We like to pop up a tent, bring blankets and pillows out and read with flashlights. Kids also love wearing headlamps while reading outside or if you are able to string up some outside lights you can make it feel like a magical garden.
Our favorite headlamps for kids!
An outside fire is a great spot to tell stories as well! My kids enjoy reading with me, but their favorite stories are those that I tell them about when they were younger, or stories of me growing up. We also like to create stories….one person starts with a story line and we use "AND THEN" to signal the next person to add to the plot. You never know where the story might go!
An art project and a book is always a great combination too! One of our favorite books is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. After reading it, we create a rainbow fish using a cardboard fish cutout, aluminum foil, tissue paper and markers. Just let your kiddos decorate the fish with aluminum foil and tissue paper. Super easy and super fun! Another fun art project is to read the poem Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout by Shel Silverstein and have the kiddos paint everything it is that she lets pile up! Maybe they will be encouraged to help take the garbage out too!
LISTEN TO - Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout ( audio version )
The possibilities are endless- swinging on a Hammock, dangling your feet off a fishing dock, lounging under an umbrella, burying your feet in the sand…No matter what you choose to do, have fun and be creative!!!! Kids are happy to be outside soaking up sunshine and stories!
P.S. Take a little time for yourself to read outside too!
Happy Reading,
