Summer’s finally here! Time to relax, soak up the sun, and maybe sneak in a bit of learning when the kids aren’t paying attention. Keeping their brains ticking over the holidays is easier than you might think, especially when you turn reading into a bit of fun.

Here are some summer literary projects to keep the little ones entertained and learning without them realising. As a home-ed family, trust me, they’ll be so wrapped up in these activities they won’t even notice they’re learning, my kids are particularly fond of anything that involves creating a booklet, just make sure you have enough paper in stock, as once they’ve started, they won’t want to stop!

Set Up a Summer Reading Challenge

Who doesn’t love a good challenge? Get the kids excited with a summer reading competition. Set goals like reading for 15 minutes a day or finishing a certain number of books before the holidays are over. Throw in some rewards—like extra time on their favourite game, a new toy, or a special day out—and watch them dive into their books.

Keep a chart to track their progress, and maybe get some friends involved to add a bit of friendly rivalry. Before you know it, reading will become the highlight of their summer.

My 2^nd youngest is currently infatuated with all things Bluey but struggled to get the reading bug, we printed off a Bluey themed barky boats poster that she could colour in for every book read… I’m already on the fourth print off of this poster, because she is so hooked on completing it every week!

Create a Cosy Reading Nook

Nothing makes reading more enjoyable than a comfy spot to curl up with a book. Help the kids create their own little reading haven. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just some cushions, a beanbag, or even a cosy corner in the garden. Let them add their personal touch with their favourite colours, posters, or a few soft toys. When they have their own special place, picking up a book feels like a treat, not a chore.

Start or Join a Kids’ Book Club

Turn reading into a social event with a children’s book club. Invite a few friends or neighbours of similar ages, and take turns choosing books to read together. Meet up every week or so to chat about the stories, share ideas, and maybe even swap books. It’s a great way for them to improve their reading and social skills at the same time. Plus, knowing they’ll be discussing the book with their mates gives them an extra reason to stick with it!

Have Themed Reading Days

Spice up the reading routine with themed days. Each day of the week could have a different focus—like Mystery Monday, where they read detective stories, or Travel Tuesday, exploring books about different countries. You could even let the kids choose their own themes, making it even more exciting. Themed reading days turn each day of the summer into a new adventure, keeping things fresh and fun.

Make Your Own Booklets

This one’s a crafty project for the creative kids. After reading a book, get them to make their own booklet about it. They can write a summary, draw pictures, or even create a comic strip of their favourite scenes. All you need are some sheets of paper, coloured pens, and a bit of imagination. It’s a great way for them to express what they’ve learned, and they’ll have something to show off at the end of the summer.

Get Crafty with Book-Inspired Projects

Combine reading with arts and crafts for a bit of hands-on fun. They could make masks of their favourite characters, build a diorama of a key scene, or even draw maps of the story’s setting. If they’re feeling extra creative, they might want to design a new book cover or write a review. These activities bring the stories to life and make reading feel like a whole new adventure.

Visit the Local Library

Never underestimate the magic of a trip to the library. With so many books to choose from and often plenty of summer activities, libraries are treasure troves for young readers. Turn it into a weekly outing—let them explore the shelves, pick out new books, and join any reading challenges or events the library has going. It’s a simple way to keep their love of reading alive.

We’re part of the home-ed group that meets up every Thursday and they adore sharing their latest reading adventures with their peers.

Use Technology to Boost Reading Time

In this digital age, there’s no harm in mixing traditional reading with a bit of tech. Interactive e-books, educational apps, and online reading games can all add a new dimension to their reading experience. Just remember to balance screen time with good old-fashioned books. Maybe they read an e-book during the day and curl up with a physical book before bed. It’s all about finding the right mix.

We’re big fans of Reading Eggs and highly recommend it for younger readers. It’s helped all our children excel at both reading and spelling!

Organise Reading-Themed Parties and Events

Why not make reading a reason to celebrate? Host a book-themed party where kids dress up as their favourite characters, or plan a story-time picnic where everyone brings a book to share. If you’re feeling adventurous, set up a reading campout in the garden, complete with torches and marshmallows. These events turn reading into a social activity, making it more engaging and memorable.

Encourage Creative Writing

Finally, why not pair reading with a bit of creative writing? After finishing a book, encourage the kids to write their own story, maybe even with an alternate ending to the book they’ve just read. They could keep a reading journal or write letters to their favourite characters. This helps improve their writing skills and deepens their connection to the stories they’re reading.

Creative writing skills are increasingly important, especially for those younger children aspiring to pass the 11+ and get into a grammar school.

There you go! These projects should keep the kids busy, happy, and learning all summer long—without them even realising it!