5 Summer-Inspired Reading Activities for Elementary Students

As summer rolls around and school takes a backseat, it's the perfect time to dive into some fun, reading-inspired activities that keep young minds engaged and growing. 

From summer reading scavenger hunts to writing your own books, these five activities promise not only to entertain but also to enrich your child's summer break with valuable learning experiences.

1.) Visit Your Local Library
For Asheville and Buncombe County residents, visit a Buncombe County Libraries branch this summer for a fantastic way to boost your child's literacy skills and have fun! Frequent library trips expose kids to diverse books and exciting reading programs, sparking their interest in learning.

TO DO >> Find your local Buncombe County Libraries branch today - click here.

---

Join R2S at Summer Library Fest!
Saturday, June 8 | 10 AM - 12 PM
East Asheville Library (3 Avon Rd. 28805)
Celebrate summer reading with a Grammy-winning performance by children's hip-hop group The Secret Agency. Enjoy family activities like literacy games, mini golf, face painting, games, bubbles, and snacks - and learn more about summer reading programs offered by Buncombe County Libraries!

Learn More

---

2.) Read Aloud for 15 Minutes
Reading aloud to children for just 15 minutes a day can significantly boost their literacy skills. This simple yet powerful activity exposes them to a rich vocabulary and diverse ways of using language, helping them pick up new words and phrases.

Books introduce children to various characters and situations, fostering empathy and teaching them how to navigate challenging emotions. By making reading aloud a daily habit, you're setting the stage for lifelong learning and emotional growth.

TO DO >> Set a fun reading timer for your child each day using this free online tool - click here.

3.) Write Your Own Book
Imagine your child becoming the author and illustrator of their own superhero adventure! By crafting a graphic novel or picture book starring their very own superhero, kids not only unleash their creativity but also sharpen their literacy skills in a thrilling way. 

Through the process of storytelling, they develop abilities like creating compelling characters, crafting engaging plots, and expressing ideas through both text and art. As they bring their superhero to life on the page, they're not just writing a story – they're building a foundation for a love of reading, writing, and imaginative expression.

TO DO >> Get started with this free printable for designing your own character - click here.

4.) A-Z Scavenger Hunt
An A-Z scavenger hunt offers children an exciting opportunity to enhance their literacy skills! For younger kids, collaboratively seeking items around the house that start with each letter strengthens their letter naming and sound recognition and expands their vocabulary. 

Older children, on the other hand, can sharpen their creativity, problem-solving, and spelling abilities as they independently hunt for items that start with the letters of the alphabet.

TO DO >> Download and this free printable Summer Alphabet Scavenger Hunt from R2S - click here.

5.) Summer Reading Challenge
Turn reading into an exciting challenge! Create a bingo-type board filled with reading challenges like reading a rhyming book, reading two books a week, or reading at the library. Each time kids complete a challenge, they get to mark off a square or add a sticker. 

Once they fill up their board, they get to pick a special reward, like a movie night, outing, or . It's a great way to encourage kids to read more and have fun while doing it!

TO DO >> Download this free printable Summer Reading Challenge from R2S - click here.

Related Article(s):
​8 Asheville Ways to Celebrate Black History Month & a Love of Reading in February
11 Children's Books About Love Featuring Black Characters
8 Black Children's Books that Highlight the Importance of Family Caregivers
8 Soccer Books for Kids with Diverse Characters
14 Black Children’s Books About Confidence, Determination, and Self-Esteem
R2S Recommends: "Black Boy, Black Boy" Diverse Children's Book