Fun Elementary Language Arts Activities

We are now enjoying hot summer days! And our children are already wondering how to fill their days with lots of fun-filled adventures. Many parents are worried how to keep their children from backsliding on their learning skills during these few summer weeks. Here are five interactive reading activities that we can share with our kids:

Sign-up for a two-week free trial at raz-kids.com, an online guided reading program with interactive e-books, downloadable books, and reading quizzes. Parents can finally have their child reading grade or level appropriate books with confidence. I would strategically use the free two weeks during the summer. If you want to jump all in for a fee, you can have access for a year.
Encourage your children to reread favorite books. Rereading familiar text builds fluency and is a fun and fresh way to look at old favorites. Create specific character voices and record your reader so that they can hear the characters new sound. Share files with friends and family. It may get contagious and before you know it, your family has built a mini video library for everyone to enjoy.
Bring the main character to life by creating a paper image and have your child add an alternative ending to the book. Share the stories and projects with younger siblings.
Have your children write your grocery list, read the food labels at stores, and read menus at restaurants.
Ask younger children to identify letters or read the road signs when driving. Older kids can learn how to read maps and guide you in your travels. Have them compare their paper mapping skills to directions found online.
Journaling is another engaging summer activity. It can be as simple as recording three sentences of gratitude daily or compiling memorable moments on a family vacation. Be sure to include the date, location, and a picture or drawing of the journal entry when documenting a trip.

Keep at the forefront of your mind that summer reading can be fun!

Danielle