Summer Reading Ideas for Elementary Students
It’s time for a summer reading challenge! Your students are ready to enjoy the sunshine, get outside, and also. . .read! Yes, summer reading is an important pastime for students young and old. From June to August, reading doesn’t have to stop with these fun, engaging ideas for elementary students.
Summer Reading Bingo
Giving students choice and autonomy when it comes to reading will definitely increase the amount they read! These choices are not only in the titles they choose but the activities as well. A reading bingo board works like a choice board.
Students receive a bingo board with 24 reading activities along with a reading log and book look writing activity.
Some of the reading ideas for elementary students on the bingo board include:
► Listen to an audiobook.
► Visit a library.
► Read a recipe (and bonus – make it).
► Read labels on things around the house.
. . .and more!
There’s something for every reader and because there aren’t particular titles mentioned, summer reading bingo is perfect for all levels! Summer reading bingo is the ultimate differentiated summer reading activity!
Get your free Summer Reading Bingo Board here.
Find Some Bingo Board Books
Find some perfect books to go with the Bingo Board for students to check out from your library, school, or even purchase for their own home libraries.
Here are some Bingo Board choices and books your students will love to read as they mark the board!
Read a poem: Poetry for Kids: Robert Frost
Introduce young readers to the classics, including Robert Frost and the “Road Less Traveled”. The gorgeously illustrated book includes 35 poems by the author for readers as young as third grade. Mark the poetry of the Bingo board with this engaging read!
Read a book about a sport: The Boy Who Never Gave Up: Steph Curry by Anthony Curcio
For students who love sports, Steph Curry is a superstar. This picture book for K-3 readers tells the story of the resilient Golden State Warriors NBA player who was told he was not good enough then became one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
It’s time to check the sports book off the list with Curry’s awesome story!
Summer Reading Clubs
Check out your local library for online or in-person reading clubs. Most public libraries have reading clubs that have students record books read or reading-related activities in exchange for prizes.
Many libraries also have summer programming like crafts, activities, and speakers that go along with the theme of the summer reading club. The 2021 theme for US libraries is Tails and Tales. The theme focuses on animal stories.
Reading Corner Bookmarks
As your students read, they’ll want to keep track of their places in their books. Let bookmarks do double duty by marking some of their favorite parts in the texts, sad parts, happy parts, important sections, and more! As an extra special treat, these bookmarks make a fun summer craft activity too!
Use reading corner bookmarks with more than 30 different strategies or writing prompts to support active reading. These corner bookmarks use questions and strategies to allow students to make connections to what they are reading. Students actively engage with the text by reflecting and writing on the prompt, aiding in higher-level thinking skills.
Use the reading comprehension reading corner bookmarks for a summer activity or during the school year! The bookmarks are perfect for great literature circles, stations, or independent reading. They also facilitate home-to-school connections by encouraging conversations with parents. Get Reading Corner Bookmarks here.
These reading activities for elementary students will get your learners excited about reading all summer! Summer is for fun in the sun, but it’s also for keeping minds engaged and reading! What summer reading activities will you share with your students?
Happy Reading,
P.S. Check out this post on Summer Reading Activities.