I still hear my kids’ voices, “Do I have to read? It’s summer break!” They didn’t understand that reading was not just a “school thing” but a “life thing.” This post is your go-to guide to transform reading have-tos to reading want-tos. Whether you’re a teacher prepping for summer packets or a parent searching for creative ideas, these summer reading activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will keep kids hooked.
Why do kids view reading as a school thing?
Most kids view reading strictly as a school task-passages, projects, assignment. They miss the fact that they read constantly just to survive the day. Teachers work tirelessly to bring relevant text to connect with students, but there seems to still be a gap. I believe that reading formats matter just as much as the content. I could break apart a Harry Potter book and put in on bright sticky notes and would most likely spark more interest than handing out the hardcover. Why? It’s all in the presentation!
How Do you make reading fun?
When kids groan at the word “reading,” here are a few simple, practical ways to engage students in reading over the summer.
- Let kids choose their own book. Don’t stress if its a picture book, recipe book, or comic. The goal is for kids to read.
- Change the environment. I bought a cheap hammock at the Dollar Store, hung it up in the backyard, and you would think my kids hit the jackpot!
- Combine reading with other activities. If your child enjoys animals then visit the zoo and make a field trip out of it. Or if they’ve been reading about painting, surprise them with a trip to Painting with a Twist.
- Incorporate Audiobooks and podcasts into the mix. But wait, this isn’t reading, right? Not technically, but reading is strengthen through vocabulary building and this is the goal of this activity.
Printable Games for Summer Reading Activities
Sometimes, you need a quick solution to a problem. How can print and go be effective?
✏️Escape rooms: Disguise learning with movement and fun challenges.
✏️Interactive elements: Engage students with coloring and cut and paste activities.
✏️Summer Theme Texts: Lure students into reading with high-interest summer passages.
✏️Task Cards: Keep kids moving with bite-size learning.
Conclusion: Transform reading with fun activities
We know that summer reading activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders can’t be one-size-fits-all. That’s why making reading feel like a game is so powerful. When students have fun, they stick with it—and the academic gains follow.
How do you encourage your students to continue learning during the summer months? Reply in the comments.
