Make Reading Fun This Summer: Literacy Activities That Last
July 15, 2025
Make Reading Fun This Summer: Literacy Activities That Last
Language is the foundation of early learning-and reading is one of the most effective ways to build it. But literacy is more than just books: it's conversation, storytelling, rhyming, and play. With simple, engaging literacy activities, families can strengthen reading skills while fostering a lifelong love for language.
Why Summer Reading Matters:
Children exposed to reading at an early age often show stronger language development, better listening skills, and higher emotional literacy. Participating in a summer reading program or even creating your own reading list for kids keeps those benefits active all year.
Learning Modalities Engaged:
- Auditory: Listening to stories and sounds
- Visual: Recognizing letters, pictures, and patterns
- Linguistic: Speaking, reading aloud, rhyming
Try This at Home:
- Set up a "book basket" in every room
- Play rhyming games or sing alphabet songs in the car
- Act out characters with puppets or costumes
- Keep a reading log and celebrate milestones
Brain Benefits:
- Activates the left temporal lobe (language and phonological processing)
- Strengthens comprehension and inference skills
- Encourages symbol recognition and decoding
Social-Emotional Benefits:
- Enhances emotional understanding through character experiences
- Improves self-regulation and focus
- Fosters empathy and perspective-taking
Final Thoughts:
Every time you read with your child, you're investing in their future learning. Whether it's a picture book before bed or a word game in the car, literacy is a gift that continues to grow.
Keep the Brain Growing: Simple Summer Learning Activities for Kids Summer doesn't mean learning has to stop-it just shifts shape. Through fun, meaningful, and intentional summer learning activities, children can continue to build cognitive, motor, and emotional skills in ways that feel natural and engaging. At Fontainebleau Children's Academy, we encourage families to see summer as a chance to create joyful moments that also support long-term development. Why Summer Learning Matters: The "summer slide" is a well-documented decline in academic skills during long breaks. Children, especially in early childhood, thrive with routine and repeated exposure to concepts. When learning continues through hands-on, play-based activities, it helps reinforce neural pathways related to memory, problem-solving, and language processing. Learning Modalities Engaged: Kinesthetic: Building, crafting, and moving Auditory: Listening to music, reading aloud Visual: Coloring, picture books, matching games Activity Ideas to Try at Home: Create a "learning corner" with puzzles, books, sensory bins, and art materials. Schedule short, consistent routines-like morning storytime or afternoon math play. Encourage self-help skills like sorting laundry, helping cook, or organizing toys. Brain Benefits: Strengthens executive function (attention, task persistence, impulse control) Enhances working memory through recall-based games Supports language acquisition via storytelling and new vocabulary Social-Emotional Benefits: Builds confidence through skill mastery Encourages independence and responsibility Fosters connection through shared family learning experiences Final Thoughts: Everyday routines are full of teachable moments. By intentionally integrating educational summer activities, families can support their child's whole development-without sacrificing fun or freedom.
3. Balancing Technology Use in Early Childhood Technology is a part of everyday life, and when used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful tool for early learning. At Fontainebleau Children’s Academy, we embrace technology in a way that enhances—not replaces—hands-on experiences, social interactions, and creative play. How We Use Technology to Support Learning Interactive Learning Tools – We carefully select educational apps and digital resources that reinforce literacy, math, and cognitive development while keeping children actively engaged. Virtual Field Trips & Exploration – Technology allows children to "travel" to museums, nature reserves, and even outer space, expanding their curiosity and understanding of the world. Parent-School Communication – Digital platforms help parents stay connected with their child’s learning journey, providing updates, photos, and progress reports. The Importance of Balance While technology has its place in education, real-world play, movement, and social interaction remain our top priorities. Experts recommend: Limiting Passive Screen Time – At FCA, we ensure that technology is used intentionally, not as a substitute for teacher-led activities. Encouraging Hands-On Exploration – Children learn best through tactile, interactive experiences, so screen time is always balanced with physical play, art, and hands-on STEM activities. Using Technology to Support—Not Replace—Human Interaction – We believe that teachers, peers, and real-world experiences are the foundation of a child’s growth, and technology should serve as a tool, not a crutch. At Fontainebleau Children’s Academy , we focus on creating a balanced, enriched learning environment where technology complements—rather than dominates—early childhood education. Our goal is to equip children with the skills they need for the future while keeping their learning experiences engaging, interactive, and developmentally appropriate.
