It’s that time of year when everyone starts counting down to the summer holidays! But first there’s sports days, transition days and end of term celebrations to think about!
Let’s go outside
Use the good weather as an opportunity to take learning outside and encourage creativity through nature – read our top tips for getting outside the classroom for added inspiration.
Summer of sport
Sport can be a great way to engage children in reading and learning. This summer there are multiple sporting events taking place, in addition to regular annual events like Wimbledon tennis tournament. The UEFA Women's Euros runs from 6th - 31st July; the Commonwealth Games run from 28th July to 8th August. Inspire imaginations and invite children to find out more about the sports men and women taking part - get started with our Extraordinary Lives series.
For teachers of KS1, we also have our Get Active With Spot resource pack, so you can reward your class on Sports Day with certificates and a colouring in sheet!
International Day of Friendship
The 30th July was proclaimed International Day of Friendship 2011 by the UN General Assembly. Celebrate this occasion in your classroom before the end of term by using our Peter Rabbit KS1 resource to encourage children to be a Friend to Nature, celebrating themes of friendship and nature, helping them to explore the world around them. You can also get more inspiration from our Iconic Friendships book list.
Summer Reading Challenge
The summer is an ideal time to catch-up with reading. Working with local libraries, The Reading Agency work to inspire thousands of children to get reading over the summer. This year’s theme is ‘Gadgeteers’ and children are invited to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around them. Find out more and encourage your class to get involved at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Word of Stories
There’s still time to register your interest for World of Stories, our school library programme launched in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Each primary school that is part of the programme receives boxes of brand-new books to reinvigorate their reading corner or library, and teachers and librarians attend specialist training, filled with ideas to make reading for pleasure part of their school culture and bring stories to life. Find out more and see if your school fits the criteria here.
Whatever you are doing to celebrate stories in your school this month we’d love to hear about it! Please contact [email protected] with 'Inspiring Ideas' in the subject line.