As summer approaches, reading and writing should be fun so children can reinforce their skills without feeling as though they are in school. Here are a few for you to try.

1. My Favorite Books

a. Hang a poster in your child's bedroom with 25 library pocket cards that will hold 3x5 index cards. Label it My Favorite Books, create borders, and try to include a photograph of your child reading.

b. Pre-make index cards with different genres represented (ie: animal stories, nature books, poetry, sports, mysteries, fiction, nonfiction...). From the top, include the genre, title, author, favorite character or subject (whichever is appropriate), and reasons for liking or disliking the book. You may also choose to summarize the story.

c. Parents, try to obtain a suggested summer reading list based upon your child's reading level from his teacher or library; it should include titles from as many different genres as possible.

d. After reading a book, your child will fill in the index card most representing the genre read and put it in a pocket. Start at the top and go from left-to-right. Try to fill up the entire chart before summer vacation is over!

2. Bookmarks

a. Did you realize that envelope corners make useful bookmarks? Take a business envelope and cut off a lower corner in a rounded, scalloped, or zig-zagged fashion. Make sure the straight edges are at least 2" long. Have children decorate these bookmarks any way they like with markers and arts-and-crafts materials. They will fit over any left-or-right-hand corners of a page!

b. Another idea is to use felt and stickers to create a bookmark. Use stickers that suggest summertime fun! This suggestion is easily adapted for holidays, birthdays, or other occasions, as well.

3. Comics

a. From a Sunday newspaper, use comic strips that do not have dialogue balloons (cut out the dialogue, if necessary).

b. On a 6"x18" colored strip of construction paper, have children cut out and paste three scenes from a favorite comic that tell a sequential story with a beginning, middle, and end.

c. Now make speech balloons from white construction paper. These should be large enough for children to write sentences and appropriately pasted near the characters who will be talking.

d. In order to write their own, original stories, children should concentrate on what the characters might be saying in each scene. Remind children their stories should make sense from beginning to end. Do NOT let them copy from the comic strip or it will defeat the purpose of the activity!

e. Before writing on the speech balloons, have children write rough drafts on paper and edit them.

Teachers can send six, stapled, pre-cut sheets of paper home with the children or parents can create this Book of Summer Funnies at home.

4. Summer Diaries

a. Cut white construction paper into 4 1/2"x12" strips and fold in thirds.

b. In each of the six boxes, children should record different events of their summer vacation by illustrating and writing sentences.

c. When a diary is completed, have your child put it in an envelope, address it, and mail it to a friend or relative!

5. Rocky-Road Candy (Makes about 30)

Follow directions and enjoy the results!

a. Toast 1/2 c chopped walnuts, 1 c flaked coconut, and 2 c oats in 300-degree oven until lightly browned, approximately 10 minutes.

b. Meanwhile, over very low heat, melt 6 oz semisweet chocolate drops, 1/3 c butter, and 20 marshmallows, stirring constantly until smooth.

c. Put walnut mixture in a large bowl and add 1/2 tsp vanilla to the chocolate mixture. Pour the chocolate over the dry ingredients and stir well. Let cool.

d. Have children make 1" balls from this candy mixture and place each in a small paper cup. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Whatever you do, enjoy your well-earned summer vacation!!

Sources:

Summer's Coming, Macmillan Seasonal Activity Packs, Macmillan Educational Company, 1985
Sunny Summertime, Macmillan Seasonal Activity Packs, Macmillan Educational Company, 1988

Freda J. Glatt, MS, is a retired K-6 teacher. Helping others reinforce reading comprehension through FUNdamental Reading Activities, including games and worksheets, is her new educational goal. Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com