Summer ELA Activities Checklist

Written by: Tania Villalón, ELA Teacher

Get ready for a fun-filled summer of reading and writing with this handy checklist! Use it to keep track of activities that will help your middle schoolers and upper elementary students stay engaged and enhance their literacy skills.

1. Create a Summer Reading Journal

   ☐ Choose 3-5 books to read over the summer.

   ☐ Write summaries for each book.

   ☐ Record favorite quotes and personal reflections.

☐ Create new story endings for at least one book.

2. Engage in Multimedia Storytelling

   ☐ Select a favorite story or create an original tale.

   ☐ Plan the story’s key elements (characters, setting, plot).

   ☐ Create a digital presentation using tools like PowerPoint or Canva.

   ☐ Share the presentation with family or friends.

3. Join or Start an Interactive Book Club

   ☐ Gather a group of friends or family members.

   ☐ Choose a book to read together.

   ☐ Schedule weekly meetings (in-person or online) to discuss the book.

   ☐ Prepare fun discussion questions to spark conversation.

4. Explore Creative Writing Prompts

   ☐ Write a short story based on a favorite summer memory.

   ☐ Create a poem about nature or a summer adventure.

   ☐ Write a letter to a character from a book.

   ☐ Develop a comic strip illustrating a scene from a story.

5. Practice Vocabulary Games

   ☐ Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or crossword puzzles.

   ☐ Create flashcards of new words learned from reading.

   ☐ Use vocabulary apps or websites to learn new words through fun activities.

6. Visit the Library or Bookstore

   ☐Attend a summer reading program at the local library.

   ☐ Explore new genres and authors.

   ☐ Participate in book-related activities or events.

7. Incorporate Reading into Daily Life

   ☐ Read a recipe and cook a meal together.

   ☐ Explore articles or magazines on topics of interest.

   ☐ Read aloud as a family, taking turns with different books.

Checking off these activities throughout the summer, will not only provide reading as an enjoyment for your child but also build essential reading and writing skills for the upcoming school year! Happy reading!