Top 10 Ways to Get Kids Reading This Summer

Summer is here. School is out. 

Everyone wants to have fun in the sun.

School takes a backseat to summer camp, vacations and playdates. It's understandable. It's was a busy and long school year but it doesn't have to be all or nothing. You know that reading over the summer will keep your child actively engaged in learning. The question is not what benefits reading offers a child - you know it is beneficial. So, how do you keep your child reading when summer fun is beckoning? I'm going to share 10 tips that work for me with the Lil Divas. 

* Remember, not all children are the same so some of my tips may not work for your child. Try a few of my suggestions, adapt them as needed and simply encourage your child to read this summer. *

1. Let them choose the book. I've learned the hard way that children are more apt to read what they are drawn to versus what we think they should be reading. I steer my girls towards material that is appropriate to their age and reading level then let them decide which book to pick up. Sometimes that means it may not be the one I would choose for them. I am ok with that - I prefer for them to be excited about reading their choice versus reluctant to read my choice in books. 

2. Encourage variety. Magazines, cookbooks, comics, e-books - it's all fair game. Not only does this make reading more exciting but it also exposes young readers to a variety of media which will be beneficial to them in school.

3. Visit local bookstores and libraries. Expose children to the multitude of reading material available to them. It is plentiful, take advantage of it. Bookstores remain one of our favorite places to visit as a family. There's something there for everyone in the family. Make it a fun family outing. 

4. Set a goal. Sit down with your child and ask them to set a goal for the summer. Whether they strive to read a certain number of books, aim to finish a certain series or endeavor to explore new genres - setting a goal gives them something to work towards. 

5. Be a reading role-model. How can you tell your child to read if you never pick up a book yourself? I have always been an avid reader. When I was younger my parents used to have to stop me from reading because it was all I wanted to do - imagine that! My girls do not have the same voracious love of reading I had as a child but I do my best to show them that reading is fun and books are a wonderful way to stretch your imagination. 

6. Schedule reading into your day. We read at bedtime throughout the school year. This isn't always an ideal time during summer so I try to set aside an additional D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read) time for us at least a few times a week. We all spend time reading during the day for at least 30 minutes. We may all read our own books or we might read a book together - the important thing is that we make reading a priority.

7. Get crafty. After reading a book enjoy an extension activity. Make a craft, whip up a recipe related to the story, paint a picture, make a character puppet or anything else that strikes your fancy. It will make the book memorable and it gives your child something to look forward to after reading. 

8. Start a Summer Book Club. Get together and talk about the books you read during the week as a family. It's a great way to get siblings interested in books and is an easy way to check your child's comprehension. Better yet - start a summer book club with your child's friends. Everyone can meet once a week to share and chat about their books. Doing something with friends always makes it better and what's better than a book party (says the unabashed book lover)?

9. Go beyond the book. Watch the movie (if there is one), visit a place central to the story, go to the museum or do online research on the person, place or event if applicable. Bringing the book to life in a concrete way makes it exciting, memorable and it may even spark a new interest or hobby. 

10. Encourage them to participate in incentive programs. There's nothing better than receiving a reward for all your hard work. There are many programs that offer free books, money and other treats for reading a certain amount of books. Check out the link for info on some of my favorite summer reading incentive programs. 

This post is part of the KBN's 2nd Annual School's Out Top 10 Blog Hop.

Be sure to check out all the posts in the 
School's Out Top 10 Summer Blog Hop
and check out our Pinterest Board for lots more ideas.

Have an amazing summer full of fun, lots of reading and learning!
Bern

Phonics and Reading Activities {The Sunday Showcase 5/24/14}

I know, I know it's called the called The Sunday Showcase & it's Monday!

I apologize but it was the Lil Diva's 7th birthday 

and well that trumps everything else, doesn't it? 

So here's this week's Sunday Showcase (a few days late) -

School is almost out and the teacher in me can't help but plan ways to keep 

the Lil Divas reading and learning amidst all our summer fun. 

You do know that's super important, right?! 

To get you motivated, I'm shining the feature spotlight this week on some fun and easy Reading & Literacy Based Activities that were shared with us on last week's Sunday Showcase.  

Which ones will you try this summer to help prevent the dreaded summer slide?

Click any of the links below for the full post and how-to's 

on these Reading and Phonics Activities shared on last week's linky.

Encourage your kids to read outside their comfort zone with this fun and motivational Summer Reading Genre Challenge 

(KC Edventures)

If your children or students need some extra phonics practice 

this summer then you'll want to take a peek at these FREE printables: 

Free Beginning Sounds Coloring Pages

(The Measured Mom)

Check out all The Measured Mom's free printables 

for even more learning fun.

ABC Phonics Ladders

(3 Dinosaurs)

Be sure to check out all the FREE printables 3 Dinosaurs has to offer!

There are tons of printable learning activities on her blog.

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Here are some of our favorite Reading Activities for kids

from Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas blog. 

Looking for some great books to keep your children engaged in reading over the summer? Check out these lists for some of our faves -

20 Great Book Series 

for 1st & 2nd Graders

Beach & Ocean Themed Books 

for K-2nd Graders

Chapter Books for K thru 2nd Grade

Looking for more ideas?

Don't forget to peruse our 

Reading (for kids) Pinterest Board.

I love pinning awesome ideas from around the web for my girls to try.

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Now it's your turn to share!

Do you have fun children's activities to share? 

Please share them with me in the linky, 

by commenting below or by visiting our Facebook page. 

Be sure to link up your child centered ideas while you're here.

I love to see what everyone is doing.

If you have been featured, grab a button you deserve it!

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The Sunday Showcase is hosted on FOUR blogs!

Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas
Here Come the Girls

Inspiration Laboratories

JDaniel4's Mom

Each blog showcases their own features so be sure to check them all out!

If you are here for the first time please read this informational post for the full details.  Anything kid friendly and/or child centered is welcome!  You are welcome to share more than one post,  but we don't accept links for giveaways,  shops, or downloads for purchase, etc.  They will be deleted.

If you're linking up we encourage you to visit other links 
& our Pinterest board!  

*Important* 

Please note that by linking up you are giving us permission to use a photo (with proper link to you!) in our featured section and on our Pinterest board!  

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Link up and share your child centered ideas with us!

Bern

An InLinkz Link-up

Favorite Children's Books - 2014 Children's Book Week

I love sharing our favorite books with you all and what better week to do it than during Children's Book Week 2014 (May 12 - 18, 2014)? 

This is a list of some current favorites. Be sure to check out our posts from Children's Book Week 2013 and Children's Book Week 2012 for even more book suggestions and links to hundreds of activities to explore awesome children's books with your children and/or students. 

Some of Our (Recent) Favorite Children's Books: 
(books shared below are via my Amazon affiliate links)


Journey by Aaron Becker - This wordless picture book is one I can not stop raving about! The illustrations are breathtaking and the girl's journey is one that you can't help but get pulled into even if she couldn't get her family's attention. We have read this book countless times and simply don't tire of it. Each time we read the book, we find something new to look at in the illustrations. I love that the book allows us to tell the story, use our imaginations and get lost in its magic. This is one book I will be purchasing to share as gifts for a long time. 



The Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems - The pigeon and a cute duckling - how can you not want to open this book. We couldn't resist. This book is not one of our favorites in the series (see below for our latest fave!) but it's wonderful for younger readers who will really enjoy it. We found it very simple but endearing. It's been added to our collection because I adore Mo Willems and plan to use it in my Kindergarten class as well. 



The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems - Who can resist the pigeon? Not us! Both my girls and my students find him hilarious. This book was met with lots giggles throughout at the pigeons complaints and antics about taking a bath. This might be my favorite pigeon book yet. Though I sure hope Mo keeps them coming. 



Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet by Jane O'Conner - We are long time Fancy Nancy fans. Although the Lil Divas are mostly reading chapter books these days, we still enjoy our picture books and I can never resist purchasing the latest Fancy Nancy books. My youngest adores mermaids so I knew this was a must buy and it hasn't disappointed. Nancy is devastated about having to play a boring old tree in her dance show when she wanted desperately to be mermaid. The book helps teach some awesome lessons - how to handle disappointment (Nancy not getting the part she wanted) , be happy for your friends success not jealous (her friend got the part) and make the most of your opportunities (she made a wonderful tree!). It's quickly become one of our favorite Fancy Nancy books.



The Dark by Lemony Snicket - One of my girls is very afraid of the dark. That's what first drew me to this book. She is the type that won't go upstairs by herself, won't enter a dark room, etc. My daughter saw herself in each page we read. It's a quick read and it's fun to have the Dark as a character. We always read it in a fun voice and it is a great reminder to my daughter not to be so afraid of the dark.



The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt - Imagine wanting to color and opening your box of crayons only to find that they had quit. That's what happens to poor Duncan. He goes to color only to find complaints written by the crayons about each other. It's witty, cute and a wonderful read-aloud for children (especially those who love crayons). It's a great way to talk about team work, how we all matter in the home or classroom and so much more. 



Mr. Wuffles by David Weisner - A cat and a spaceship of tiny aliens and insects - intrigued? There's a lot going on in this picture book and it's all wonderfully entertaining with humor, action and wonderful illustrations every step of the way. You'll never quite look at cats, insects and small toys the same again. I love the alien language dialogue - it lends itself to wonderful storytelling and you can have a different story every time you open the book. 



I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black - I came across this book at the bookstore and was compelled to open it. My girls who have too much of everything have been known to utter the words "I'm bored" on more than one occasion. It immediately sends me into a tailspin. How they can ever feel bored, I have no idea. The story centers around a bored little girl and a potato that finds children boring (Didn't that make you laugh already? It's so silly - how could it not!) My preschoolers last year adored this book. They found it hilarious and it was one I read many times over. We loved talking about what it would take to get a potato to think you were fun. :)



Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg - I LOVE this book! Every child needs to read this at least once and know that it's ok to make a mistake. I don't know how many times I have seen children cry over a "ruined" piece of art - my girls included. They get frustrated and want another paper or want to give up. I always tell my girls to look at it again - what can we turn it in to? You'd be surprised at how many awesome pieces of art we have ended up with just by thinking a bit outside the box. It's a skill that helps children in other areas because they learn to problem solve, think critically and not give up. This book takes ALL that and puts it into the cutest format with pop-ups, folded pages, etc. It's interactive and kids will want to read this one again and again. The great thing is - you won't mind doing it! 



Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett -  My girls get such a kick about reading about the town of Chewandswallow where food plagues their weather for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's such a fun tall tale to read together and elicits so many giggles, belly laughs and yells of "oh no!". We can't help but wonder what it would be like if it really snowed mashed potatoes or if we suddenly found ourselves in front of car-sized donuts. I have shared this with children from preschool age thru 3rd grade and ALL of them have always loved it. It's a definite must buy addition to your child's library. 


Spending time reading with children has so many amazing benefits. Taking 15-20 minutes a day to sit and explore a wonderful book can really help your child grow into a lifelong reader. 

I have been reading with the Lil Divas every night before bed since they were born and it is truly one of our favorite parts of the day. I marvel that the little babies who I would read to as they fell sleep in my arms are now reading to me. We are sharing an all new reading adventure - complete with excitement about chapter books, favorite series and beloved characters that we just can't get enough of. 

If your are beginning to explore Early/Beginning Readers with your children you'll want to check out this list of some of our favorites - 10 Early Readers for Beginning Readers

Here are some great books for the K-2nd Grade Readers -
20 Great Book Series for 1-2nd Graders
Chapter Books for K thru 2nd Grade

Be sure to check out all the posts in our Reading Corner for other great suggestions and activities.

Need even more inspiration? Head on over to these Pinterest Boards that are chock full of reading fun and book ideas -
Favorite Children's Book Activities
Reading (for Kids)
Book Inspired Activities
Learning with Literature

Happy Children's Book Week & Have Fun Reading!

Bern

20 Great Book Series for 1st thru 2nd Graders

I seem to be continuously searching for books that will pique my girls interests and motivate them to read.  I know many of you want the same things for your young readers. I also know how much of a challenge it can be to find that child/book fit. You know what I mean - that book that hooks them and makes them want to keep reading long after you've called them to dinner or told them to go to bed. The book that keeps them turning pages, till they reach the end and has them immediately wanting to pick up the next one in the series. I had a few of those in my childhood (Insert mental image of me reading the Babysitters Club by moonlight long after my parents told me to get to bed here) so I wanted to compile a list of our recent favorite series in the hopes that it would add a good read or two (or hopefully lots more!) to your book shelf.

In my efforts to provide you with a variety of choices I even enlisted the help of family and friends who openly also shared their children's favorites with me via Facebook (Don't you love social media?!). I am excited to share this list with you and hope you find it useful.

Here is our list (in no particular order) of

Favorite Book Series for 1st thru 2nd Graders:

(Clicking the book photos below will take you right to Amazon for more book info, reviews and an easy way to purchase each book online. Please note that these links are #affiliate links. Thank you.)

The Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book Series

My 1st grader gets such a kick out of Amelia Bedelia. It's wonderful to see her work through some of the word play and laugh out loud as she reads her books. She enjoys the chapter books even more than the originals because in these books Amelia is a little girl just like her, experiencing many things for the first time. The books are perfect for this age group as they make that transition into chapter books but still need pictures and fun to keep their attention for a longer (chapter) book. This is a "newer" series that we look forward to following and reading more of as they are published.


The Princess Posey Series



I was skeptical about this one. My daughter was drawn to it by the name and the pink tutu. I will be honest and say I had an aversion to it for the very same reasons. Well, that old saying is true - don't judge a book by it's cover. After reading the first book in the series alongside my daughter, Posey had won me over and my little one was hooked. Posey is a spunky girl who gives voice to many of the same fears and wishes that most 1st grade girls have. Let me just say that Posey wins out over Junie B. Jones in my book - any day! She makes mistakes, feels bad, comes clean and makes amends. Better still - she tries to do better. Posey is the kind of character that will endear little girls and not leave parents cringing. These books are definitely worth a read and are a great fit for girls aged 5-7 years old.


The Young Cam Jansen Series



My girls enjoy reading mysteries and trying to figure out what happened before it's revealed in the book. My oldest started reading Young Cam Jansen in Kindergarten a few years ago and we added many of the books to our home library. I was happy to find my youngest beginning to read them this year as well. These are books that as a first grader, she can easily read independently in one sitting. They are short (typically about 30-35 pages) and follow a chapter format with color illustrations interspersed throughout the book.  The main character, Cam, is smart, observant and helpful and I love that these books keep my daughter thinking as she reads (she always tries to figure things out before Cam does). They make great beginning chapter books for any young sleuth or mystery loving girl.


The Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew Series



Did you read Nancy Drew growing up? Well the Clue Crew is a hip, modern version featuring a young Nancy Drew and her two best friends as they work together to uncover mysteries. My 2nd grader started reading these last year in 1st grade and we've gone through quite a bit of the series. They are engaging reads with characters that will appeal to this age group (especially girls). The characters are well behaved and well intentioned if a bit on the tame/boring side (in my opinion). The mysteries are not difficult to figure out. My daughter always figures them out before the Clue Crew and ends with a "See, I told you!" as we turn the last page. The vocabulary is geared towards the 2nd grade level (or an advanced 1st grade reader).


The Daisy Dawson Series



Another chapter book series for newly independent readers. Daisy is sweet, spunky and extremely endearing. My 1st grader was instantly taken with her upon reading the first book in the series where we find she can communicate with animals. The animals lovers in your life won't be able to resist. This is a book we read together because it does have some some words that require assistance (which I love!). I enjoy a book that offers an opportunity to enrich vocabulary and challenge the reader. This is a great series with wonderful content.


The Stink Series



Stink! Just looking at the cover makes you want to pick it up and find out more, doesn't it? Add in the fact that Stink is Judy Moody's little brother and you have a hit. Stink is silly and clever and definitely appeals to both boys and girls. The book is interspersed with fun comic strips, written by Stink himself, which new readers enjoy having.


The Kylie Jean Series



Kylie Jean has been a hit with my 1st grader. Kylie Jean is a southern belle who loves pink and dreams of being a beauty queen. This series is definitely geared towards girly-girls who will certainly find themselves endeared with the main character. My older daughter wasn't as fond of the series because she's not the "beauty queen" type like my youngest it. If you have a pink loving, performance giving princess at home - you'll want to try this series!


The Heidi Hecklebeck Series



Can little girls be witches? Heidi Hecklebeck would certainly say "yes" because she is one! Don't worry she isn't the spooky, nightmare giving type of witch. The books are great for this age group because they have a large font, illustrations and wording and vocabulary geared for younger readers.  Heidi is a witch in training, learning to use her powers while trying to conceal them and act like a regular 8 year old. The plot of these books make them very relatable and engrossing for kids. They are always a hit in our home.


The Absolutely Lucy Series



Bobby and his beagle Lucy are always up to something. It's impossible to resist the antics of this adorable puppy and her human friend. These books tell the tale of a special friendship between a boy and his dog. These books will keep your kids reading and working on those essential reading and comprehension skills.


The Critter Club Series



Another series about animals - can you tell my girls are pet lovers? Each book in this series features one of the main characters - the Critter Club members and a mystery involving an animal. Simple wording and illustrations make these great beginning chapter books. The characters are relatable and the addition of animals will appeal to many young readers.


The Rainbow Magic Series



If you have girls in your house you have probably read a few of the Rainbow Magic books. They are drawn to them like moths to a flame! I find them extremely repetitive but my daughter can't get enough. Who would have thought there were so many types of fairies? They just keep coming out with more and I just keep buying them because it keeps my girls reading, haha. This falls into what I would call the "fluff" category - reading just for fun. I'm not embarrassed to admit that I fully advocate that. If my girls pull out a book versus the computer or television - I'm excited.


The Magic Tree House Series



Magic Tree House has been one of the most popular series in both my home and classroom over the years. Kids love these books! The characters are their age, the adventures are fascinating and you learn interesting facts while enjoying the books. Our library is stocked with this series and it's one that both my daughters enjoy. The earlier books are perfect for my 1st grader and my 2nd grader gets a bit more of a challenge from the more recents books in the series. The newer ones are a bit longer with more complex vocabulary which has allowed us to transition right along with the series.


The Junie B. Jones Series



Some parents aren't huge fans of Junie B's behavior or language. We find her funny. I use those "oh no" moments to review how we should and should not behave/act. My girls enjoyed correcting her grammar and mispronunciations - they always found it hilarious. Nothing beats reading a book that makes you laugh out loud and Junie B always does that for us at some point in the story. These are great to read together.


The Nate the Great Series



By now you can see that my girls enjoy reading mysteries. Nate the Great is a great series for beginners. The vocabulary is not difficult, the books are short (for chapter books) and they have color illustrations.  Yet, they make beginning readers feel like they are moving past easy readers and delving into chapter books. My girls had great success with these books and still read them as independent readers on their own.


The Flat Stanley Series



Flat Stanley is such a fun series because there are so many different adventures to read and follow along with. This one gets used often in school but it's great to read at home and start your own "Flat Stanley" adventure with family and/or friends that live far away.


The Bink & Gollie Series



Opposites attract - even in children's books! Bink and Gollie are friends who appear to be opposites but who actually complement each other in all the right ways. The characters are funny, the illustrations are like a comic book and add to the appeal of the story. These make excellent early readers because each book contains 3 stories versus chapters. This is one that the kids will want to keep reading.


The Roscoe Riley Rules Series



Roscoe Riley is a 1st grader who always seems to find himself involved in some sort of mishap. No worries though, he isn't naughty. There is nothing to fear in this series - just fun kid stuff. This series is great for 1st & 2nd graders who are delving into chapter books but still need illustrations (picture clues!) and a simplified vocabulary while telling an interesting and engaging story.


Mr. Putter & Tabby Series



I first read Mr. Putter & Tabby when I taught 2nd grade and always thought it was such a sweet book. In an age where so much is fast paced it's nice to read a series that doesn't rely on magic, crazy kid antics, etc. These stories will appeal to any animal loving children and there are quite a few in the series to explore. These are ideal for 1st graders.


The Poppleton Series



This series has been around awhile and though it has chapters, the chapters are actually short stories. The illustrations are nice, the vocabulary is simple enough for independent readers but still entertaining plot wise that it will keep them reading. Poppleton is a cute and funny pig and his adventures are always met with enthusiasm.


The Henry and Mudge Series



These are Ready-to-Read Level 2 readers. Mudge totally makes this series a hit with kids. He's just the kind of dog kids wish they had! The books are short and sweet introductions to chapter books for children that are ready to make the transition. There are lots of books in this series and libraries are usually well stocked so you can enjoy them by the stack.


I hope you found some fun new series to check out from our list. Be sure to let us know your favorites. We are always looking for new books to read too.

Happy Reading,

Bern