Learning through Play!

Written by: Tania Villalon, ELA Teacher

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time for kids to have fun while continuing to learn! By using ideas from the Science of Reading, we can make sure that middle schoolers and upper elementary students not only enjoy their summer but also boost their reading and writing skills. One exciting way to do this is by creating a summer reading journal. Imagine your child diving into new books and jotting down their thoughts and favorite quotes! Encourage them to write about what they loved, what surprised them, or even to invent new endings for their favorite stories. This creative journaling not only keeps their minds active but also helps them understand stories better—what a win-win!

Another fantastic summer activity is multimedia storytelling. Kids can take a story they adore or come up with their own and turn it into a captivating presentation using fun digital tools like videos or slideshows. Picture your child crafting a colorful presentation filled with images, sounds, and their own voice narrating the tale! This approach helps them think critically about the story, understand character motivations, and organize their thoughts. By engaging in this creative process, they'll learn new vocabulary and strengthen their reading skills—all while having an absolute blast!

Finally, how about organizing an interactive book club? This is a super fun way for kids to dive into books together! They can read a book as a group and then gather to chat about it, sharing their thoughts and ideas. Parents can spice up the discussions by asking fun questions like, "If you could be any character, who would you choose and why?" or "What would you do differently if you were in the story?" These lively conversations not only make reading more enjoyable but also help kids think deeper about the material. With these fun activities grounded in research, your child can have an amazing summer filled with learning and laughter!