• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Shop
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

teach mama logo

teach mama

helps families connect & build bridges between home & school, by amy mascott

  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • early literacy
    • alphabet
    • beginning sounds
    • phonics
    • phonological awareness
    • read-aloud learning
    • rhyming
    • sight words
  • reading
    • books
    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
    • concepts of print
    • environmental print
    • fluency
    • non-fiction
    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
  • writing
    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
      • giving back
      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
    • outdoor activities
  • digital literacy
    • computer time
    • iPad for learning
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

5 ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading

home / reading / 5 ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading
409 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

Believe it—summer is around the corner.  Woo-hoo!

Around the corner!  As in like just a few weeks away!  It’s May! Pools open in May. Weather warms in May.  Swim team registration starts in May.  We buy bathing suits in May.

get psyched for summer reading

Wait.  How can we even talk about ways to get your kids psyched for summer reading when school isn’t even out yet?

Many of us still have assessments to think about, big projects coming though, and a whole lot that has to happen between now and the time those kids come running through the school doors screaming, No more teachers, no more books. . .

Getting your kids totally psyched for summer reading is easy.  Eeeeasy.

We’ve got be cool. We’ve got to be creative. And we’ve got to be careful.

But I’ve got the ‘how-to’ right here, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is.

Here’s the skinny. . .

How to Get Your Kids Psyched for Summer Reading:

Five ways.

1. Start planning your Summer Reading Book Swap Party.  

We do this every year, and every year it’s both a great way to say ‘good-bye’ to the school year and ‘hello’ to summer!

With just a wee bit of planning, anyone can throw a rockstar Summer Reading Book Swap or a Kick-Off Summer Reading Party or a Book-Lovers Book Bash any day of the week.

Send out evites, have your kids create simple invitations using an index cards and a simple ‘Come to Our Summer Reading Book Swap’ use a sample invite below:

2. Search for inexpensive or (even better!) free books. 

For the next few weekends leading up to summer, go on a book search:

  • visit yard sales or garage sales
  • find local thrift shops
  • reach out to your local groups–church groups, MOM Clubs, playgroups
  • ask friends and family if they have books they’re ready to part with, and give them the ones you are ready to part with yourself.

Before you know it, you may have a whole new set of summertime books to call your own!

 

summer reading library

 

summer reading at library

 

3.  Celebrate the library. 

Make sure your kids all have their own library cards.  If they are old enough to write their names, they’re old enough for their own cards.   And you know what? They will love, love, love having their own card.

Worried that they’ll lose their cards?  I get it.  Make special library card holders by punching a hole through a gift card envelope and threading a long piece of yarn through it.  Kids can wear them around their necks (as necklaces) or pin them to their shirts on library trip days.

 summer fun cards

summer fun cards

4.   Make book-happy Summer Fun Cards: 

Another early summer tradition in our house is to make Summer Fun Cards.  We pow-wow after a picnic lunch and make plans for our long summer months.

This year, give your Summer Fun Cards an extra-special book-focus.  Challenge each child to include at least three cards outlining new and unusual places –or ways—to read their books.

summer book party

5.  Get in on a summer reading challenge. 

Many kids need a challenge to keep them interested and engaged, and that makes sense.

Consider challenging your child to:

  • Master a series:  Pick a series of books, and see if through the summer, your child can read the whole thing, from start to finish. A book series exists for every single reading level, so don’t think that your child is too young or too old for this challenge!
  • Finish a list: Libraries, schools, and sites like Scholastic have entire reading lists to print and keep on hand.  Wouldn’t it be a riot for your child to read an entire book list from beginning to end?
  • Break a record:  Set a goal as a family for weekly number of books read, hours logged, or chapters read, and check in each week. Check in each week and evaluate how you’ve done in relation to your goal, and

 ———————————————————–

Here’s to a reading-happy summer, my friends! Looking forward to lots of great ideas and some serious resource sharing!

smart summer promo teachmama.com 2018 b

smart summer challenge teachmama.com join now

Join us for the 2018 Smart Summer Challenge!

Please leave any of your Summer Reading questions, concerns, or super-awesome ideas below!

Check out a few other posts that may help you develop strong and healthy habits for your family:

  • wait time
  • my day, your day
  • frozen peas
  • kids who rock the kitchen
  • kids who rock the laundry
  • rest time
  • gem jars
  • arm circles
  • noticing kids
  • homework routine

 

fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy. 

You May Also Like...

  • summer swim team: an absolute MUST for families
    summer swim team: an absolute MUST for families
  • how to prepare your child for kindergarten -- summertime prep
    how to prepare your child for kindergarten -- summertime prep
  • make this summer rock: Smart Summer Challenge 2018!
    make this summer rock: Smart Summer Challenge 2018!

About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro · http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

Previous Post: « quick easy flower wish boxes teachmama.com quick and easy flower wish boxes
Next Post: what your kids MUST know about plants (hint: they’re a big deal) what your kids MUST know about plants teachmama BLOOM! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thrift Store Mama

    May 14, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    We are moving mid-summer across the country to Colorado. I’m nervous that my kids are starting in a new school system that may not appreciate my “kindergarten and summer are for fun” approach and that my kids will start the year behind their peers.

    I know I need to take a more structured approach to working with both kids so that they stay on level and start 1st grade and 2nd grade feeling confident.

    Reading is, of course, a big part of that and I think I’ll do a book swap party when we move in to our neighborhood in July.

    Reply
    • Gayle

      June 10, 2013 at 9:34 am

      We have great library systems in CO! Sign up for the Summer Reading program in your neighborhood.

      Reply
      • amy mascott

        June 10, 2013 at 10:22 am

        yes, yes, yes! also a great idea–local libraries have FAB programs for summer reading! Thank you, Gayle!

        Reply
  2. Michelle Breum

    May 15, 2013 at 10:54 am

    Great ideas here! Summer reading is so important. I enjoyed the Google Hangout.

    Reply
    • amy mascott

      May 15, 2013 at 1:20 pm

      thanks, Michelle! So glad you could be there, and thank YOU for your amazing work over in the we teach: reading group on http://weteachgroup.com

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

our books & freebies

setting the stage for rock-star readers
raise a reader
amy mascott profile blog
subscribe teachmama

join the coolest club around:

Find Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Helpful Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Us On Instagram

View
Open
WHAT. A. YEAR!

The @advancementcourses teACh Team has ROCKED it again this year, and I am so glad that you’ve been along for the ride!

Every few weeks, we connected on Facebook or IG Lives, and we discussed:

✔️ what makes Professional Development most effective;

✔️ school administrators and teachers leading post-pandemic;

✔️ our current top picks for children’s books;

✔️supporting students who have experienced trauma;

✔️ culturally responsive classrooms and components of special education;

✔️ school and district-wide Professional Development options with Advancement Courses.

It’s been a BLAST—and though our core team includes @teaching3rdwithmrg @techninjatodd @topdogteaching and me, we have also had guests like @stopparentingalone @laliquin @lisa.lightner.ig and more!

Please tell us your fave topics and what you would like to see more of next year!

Catch the replays here: 
https://teachmama.com/advancement-courses-teach-team-look-back/

#AdvancementCourses #teAChTeam #OnlinePD #ProfessionalDevelopment #linkinbio
View
Open
One of THE greatest kids of all time playing with one of THE greatest TOYS of all time: my nephew building with Picasso Tiles!

🔻🟧🟦🔺🟨🟩🟪🔺🟥

Any time I see Picasso Tiles on sale, I must shout from a 🏔 because KIDS. LOVE. THESE. 

And without fail, every time I share, dozens and dozens of my friends and family members jump on the opportunity to score this deal. 

🔻🟧🟦🔺🟨🟩🟪🔺🟥

Link here —> zulily.gfpv.net/RyjnEy

So act now, and head to the link in bio (or the Zulily highlight on my IG page) and grab this deal before they sell out. 

The site says up to 70% off, but my links give you an EXTRA 15% off of that! 

Right now grab the 100 Piece Set for $33 (normally $129.99) and you will get free shipping all weekend long. 

🔻🟧🟦🔺🟨🟩🟪🔺🟥

#linkinbio #ZulilyFinds #ZulilyPartner @zulily 

(This is my affiliate link, so when you use it, I will earn a small percentage of the sale, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for using my link and supporting my small business!)
View
Open
It’s absolutely true. 
100%
#Facts

<<Not sure exactly where this image originated. Will credit once I find out.>>

#MyBodyMyChoice #KeepYourLawsOffMyBody
View
Open
My favorite little spot to lay out the mat = ☀️🌊🧜🏻‍♀️

Use an emoji to tell me yours. 

remember: it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you move your body in some way each day. Total game changer. Promise. 

For me, walking the 🐕‍🦺🐶 and 🧘🏼‍♀️are daily non-negotiables for my physical AND mental health. 

I do the @melissawoodhealth videos each day, and her upbeat, casual attitude, variety of low-impact strengthening workouts, and reminders to just keep coming back are key. 

#KeepComingBack #WeGotThis #TalkAboutMentalHealth #MWH #MoveYourBody
View
Open
Tell me it’s summertime without telling me it’s summertime. ☀️🚲

#SummerSwimTeam #SweetRides #neighborhoodkids #MarylandLife #ThisIsSummer #tanterratarpons
View
Open
Did you get it? 

Have to ask because there just *may* be a secret surprise giveaway for some of you lucky 🦆 🦆🦆

Join now: https://take5.teachmama.com/

#TeachmamaTake5  #iykyk #Take5 #BestoftheWeb #familyfun #educatornews #linkinbio
View
Open
This book is SO different from any other I have read in the recent past, and it’s something that is both refreshing and hopeful. 

My friend @techninjatodd wanted to put out a book that would be a source of hope, a reminder that we are not alone. A testament to the fact that every season of life matters. 

And so, In This Season: Words From the Heart was born, with help from the amazing @apron_education @allylee21 @writtentospeak @omar2764

❄️❄️❄️❄️

Life is full of seasons.

Each of us has endured the cold of winter, the growth of spring, the light of summer, and the change of fall. We’ve climbed to the mountaintops and been deep in the valley.

In This Season: Words for the Heart takes the emotions we feel deep within and puts them into words. The pages of this book invite you to reflect and lean in as you continue through season after season.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

Check this book out, friends. It is worth your time, and it is the perfect book for busy educators to pick up, read a few pages over a quick cup of coffee before the day begins or as you kick up your feet at the end of the day. 

It feels like a quiet conversation with a close friend or dear colleague. Important topics are touched on which remind us that our feelings and thoughts and insecurities are often not as unusual as we may think. Rather, these ups and downs of life are a shared experience that could—and should!—be shared more frequently and openly. The reminder that we are not alone could not come at a more pivotal time for all of us; in the past two years, we have been reminded that life is short but that seasons change. Let’s make the most of what we have!

Thank you, Todd, LaNesha, Tanner, and Alice for starting this conversation. 

☀️☀️☀️☀️

Grab it here: https://amzn.to/3O4jMqN

And do follow these great writers, educators, and thought leaders. 

🍁🍁🍁🍁

#InThisSeason #linkinbio #newrelease #whatimreading #beachreads #teacherauthor #mustreadbooks
View
Open
What better time than NEXT WEEK to have the biggest and baddest sale of summer 
☀️🐚🌴🌊?!

WOOO-hoooooo!

Stay tuned for more: 
zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama

#zulilyfinds #zulilypartner #zulilywowweek #teachmamadealsandsteals
View
Open
THANK YOU @reallygreatreading for the 2-part 6-hr workshop, Bringing the ‘Science of Reading’ to Life in the Classroom—

This program is amazing, life-changing, and exciting. I cannot wait to use these strategies and program with my students this summer!

Educators and families—check out the resources on this site. Phenomenal. 

Makes me so happy. 

#TeachReading #RaiseAReader #ReallyGreatReading #OnlinePD

Copyright © 2022 · teach mama media, llc · All Rights Reserved

  • 81
409 shares