How well I remember searching for ways to keep the kids entertained and happy during those long summer days. No parent wants to see their child lounging around watching TV or playing video games for long periods of time. On the other hand, life and parental jobs and responsibilities don’t take a vacation. Here are two enjoyable activities that combine literacy and fun.

Readers Theatre involves having several kids practice and present a short script. Readers theatre is easier than creating a play with costumes and sets and also a great way to boost fluency, speaking skills, vocabulary, comprehension and familiarity with timeless literature. Just follow these guidelines:

• Hunt down some ready-made scripts that your kids and their friends might enjoy.
• Print enough copies for each character or have several children take on a few parts if there are not enough participants.
• Give each participant a copy of the script.
• Provide a little background for the story if it’s unfamiliar and review tricky vocabulary words.
• Decide who will take on the various parts.
• Provide highlighters or colored pencils. Have each child highlight the part (or parts) he will read.
• Explain the importance of using good expression and speaking like the character would speak.
• Give the group time to read over their part silently. Remind them to ask for help from you or another child if they are stuck on a word.
• Then, have the group read the entire script aloud. Encourage them to “get into” the part they play.
• For even more fun, have them practice a few times and present it to other parents, kids or families.

I came across a great site that includes wonderful Reader’s theatre scripts. Check it out or simply Google “Reader’s Theatre” to find some of your own. http://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm

Reading Picnic is a simple activity that can occur indoors or out. All you need to do is collect a variety of picture books, joke books, poetry books or even magazines. Spread out a big blanket, display the books, add a few favorite snacks and let the kids plop down and spend some time reading to themselves or to each other. My grandkids loved this, especially on a rainy day when they couldn’t play outside.

Sometimes the simplest things work best. Children love anything that is a bit unique and injects an element of fun into literacy. Let me know if these work for you. Thanks for stopping by!