Designate Theme Days That Will Build Excitement and Promote Reading

1. Have a “Super Hero” day and encourage students to bring in their favorite super hero story or create their own super hero. 

2. Students can design their “Super Hero” emblem (See reproducibles) for display on a bulletin board.

3. Host a character day.  Children and adults are encouraged to dress up as a much loved character from a favorite book.  Children should be prepared to tell about what makes the character special. 

4. Host a Fairy Tale Day.  Children can share a favorite fairy tale or write a “fractured fairy tale” to share with others.  The True Story of the Three Little Pigs is a great springboard for this activity. 

5. Hold a stuffed animal day.  Children and adults can bring a favorite stuffed animal to school with them.  Children can read aloud to their stuffed animal during a period of silent reading time throughout the day.

6. Host a “Tea and Book Talk.”  Children prepare to discuss and share a favorite book over “tea” with a friend.  Invite parents or other special guests who can sit in on the book talks.  Encourage adults to share a favorite book, too!  This is a great opportunity to reinforce table manners and etiquette, as well. 

7. Have a “camp out.” Pitch a tent and allow the children to read by flashlight in the tent.  Enjoy s’mores at snack time.

8. Travel the world!  On “Traveling Tuesday,” you read a book from another part of the world.  Hang up a world map and note all of the countries you have “visited.”  Bring in travel brochures to learn more about your destinations.  Design and send “postcards” from the exotic locations you “travel to” this summer.  Visit your local library for book suggestions.