8 Summer Reading Ideas & Activities for Kids

The end of the school year is quickly approaching! As we all know, keeping our students engaged in reading over the summer can be quite challenging. Did you know that 20% of children ages 6–17 read zero books over the summer? 

My ultimate goal as an educator is to inspire students to become lifelong readers. I want each and every one of them to love books just as much as I did when I was a kid (and still do!).

Since the school year is almost over, I’ve decided to share some summer reading ideas that will motivate our students to keep reading over the summer.

1. Summer Book Challenge And Summer Reading Bucket List

Some students stay at home all summer glued to their tablet. By providing a list of reading “challenges”, they are more likely to grab a book and find a comfy spot around the house (or at the park!). You can download this FREE Summer Reading Bucket List below!

FREE Summer Reading Book Challenge

Looking for a way to motivate your students to read this summer? These summer reading lists are bound to keep students excited about reading!

Grab the Freebie

2. Read and Write

Ask your students to write you a letter over the summer telling you all about a book they read. If you get the chance, write back to them! We all know kids love getting a handwritten letter in the mail.

3. Parent Tips and Ideas for Summer Reading

Send home a parent letter with summer reading ideas and tips for incorporating reading into their daily routine. Start With A Book is a great website to share with parents. It includes tons of activities and books tied to different topics. 

4. Gift a Book

Many students do not have books at home, nor do they have access to a library. You can use your Scholastic points to gift a book to each student at the end of the year. Scholastic has a large variety of $1 books available or books you can “purchase” with your points. This is a great end of year gift for elementary students.

You can grab the printable summer gift tags for students in my TPT store.

5. Scholastic Read-A-Palooza

Encourage your students to join the Scholastic Read-A-Palooza Summer Challenge over the summer break.

6. Plan a Reading “Date” with Your Students

Invite your students (and parents) to meet you at the local library one day during the summer. Catch up on what everyone is doing while encouraging students to check out books. 

7. Find Local Reading Events & Make a List for Parents

Find out what events and exhibits are taking place in the area over the summer. Create a list or calendar of local summer learning events taking place and share it with your students and families.

8. Introduce the Family Book Club to your Student Families

Jodie from Growing Book by Book has created a Family Book Club which is designed to increase family involvement and literacy. Each monthly theme focuses on a different character trait. She shares books to match each trait, conversation starters, themed dinner menus, crafts to decorate the dining table, and matching family service projects.

More Summer Reading Ideas

I hope these ideas were helpful! Feel free to share any other great summer reading ideas in the comments below. If you’re looking for more ways to get students reading over the summer, you can also check out my post about how to get reluctant readers excited about reading.

If you’re a parent looking to keep your kiddos entertained this summer, check out these Summer Activities For The Family.

Have a fun and safe summer, friends!

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