Calling all teachers and parents… the summer holidays are right around the corner, so we’ve pulled together a bundle of summer activities that will help children make the most of the free time they will be enjoying over the next six weeks, while also boosting their literacy skills.
From getting lost in a book to commemorating the moon landing, we’ve got lots of fun ideas for teachers and families to help get children and young people reading, writing and exploring their creativity over the summer.
3… 2… 1… lift off! Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first-ever moon landing, teachers can access our fantastic intergalactic resources to share with their class ahead of the summer holidays:
- Our Jasper Space Dog resource, based on the fabulous book by Hilary Robinson, is full of space-themed letter writing and research activities and has been made available for free members over the summer
- Our Cosmic resource for full members, is based on the hilarious and touching book by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and is packed with intergalactic activities and ideas to support transition for Year 6 pupils
For those with a budding astronaut in the family, head to our Words for Life website for a cosmic booklist, colouring activities and a Q&A with planetary scientist, author and director Dr Christopher Riley about how to become an astronaut!
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge also has a space theme. Get children along to their local library to register and pick up their very own Space Chase reading mission pack.
Get your class eager to return and learn in September
Take the remainder of the term to build up some excitement and anticipation around a book that your pupils will be studying in September. Check out our brand new resource for creating excitement around a new class book to get started.
Win a VIP trip to Wembley for the family with exciting Football Heroes competition
We’ve teamed up with Bonnier Books UK to launch a new reading and writing competition for children aged 8-11 based on the bestselling Ultimate Football Heroes series. Set pupils on an exciting challenge this summer to pitch their ultimate hero using our brilliant activities, ideas and resources. All heroes are welcome – and the winning pupil will get to go to a top football match in a VIP box at Wembley Stadium with seven family members and friends.
#GetLost in a book this summer
Our latest research revealed that the place kids most love to read is in bed – with other top contenders including up a tree and on a trampoline. Find your children’s favourite reading spots this summer and encourage them to settle in with one of our top reads. Children can also create their own summer reading spot with our guide to building a reading den at home.
Want to see the new Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, and other wonderful children’s authors in their favourite reading spots? Click here to see them all!
easyJet’s on-board libraries take to the sky!
If you’re heading on an easyJet flight this summer, look out for one of 60,000 children’s books that will be in passenger seat pockets to help get kids reading. We’ve created some fun activity sheets for kids based on the five titles that are part of the easyJet on-board library, including a Geek Girl themed crossword and a dot-to-dot of Paddington Bear!