More Play Resources
 Click on this symbol to watch an online video of the book.
You will need RealPlayer to view video.
 Reading Rainbow Title
Books
Arthur's Family Vacation by Marc Brown
Arthur wants to go to camp with Buster, but instead has to go on a family vacation at the beach. A funny story about making the best out of a situation.
Babushka's Doll by Patricia Polacco
Natasha wants her grandmother to entertain her every minute, until a doll comes to life and subjects Natasha to the same sort of insistent whining that Natasha used on Babushka.
Berenstain Bears Blaze a Trail (First Time Reader) by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The consequences of doing everything wrong on a camping trip.
Berenstain Bears Go on Vacation by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Fun and adventure at the seashore.
Canoe Days by Gary Paulsen, illustrated by Ruth Wright Paulsen
In the calmness of a summer day, a man paddles around a lake. Soon, the surrounding wildlife begins to reveal itself. This prose poem gives the sensation on being in a canoe.
Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
The two best friends fly kites, clean house, and tell ghost stories together. And, they even learn about the value of being alone.
Other books about Frog and Toad's friendship and adventures: Frog and Toad are Friends, Frog and Toad Together
Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
The fun of riding a bicycle.
Fairy Houses by Tracy L. Kane
Kristen's parents take her on a vacation to a Maine island and show her a village of little houses in the woods, made by humans out of natural materials for fairies. Children will be eager to build a fairy house with the inspiring suggestions provided by the author at the end of the book.
Also by Tracy Kane, who is a New Hampshire author, illustrator and painter: Fairy Boat and Fairy Flight .
Froggy Learns to Swim by Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz
Froggy is reluctant to learn to swim until he puts on his flippers, mask, and snorkel. Encourages discussion about overcoming fears.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague
'Kid Bleff' spins a tall tale, for the classic classroom assignment to write about your summer vacation, about a train ride across the western plains, being captured by cowboys and taught cowboy tricks, and a cattle stampede.
Little Cloud by Eric Carle
An imaginative little cloud changes into various shapes, then rejoins other clouds to make a rainstorm.
Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney, illustrated by Annette Cable
A young girl shows where she is on a map of her room, her room on a map of her house, her house on a map of her street and so on. An introduction to maps and geography.
Sammy and the Dinosaurs by Ian Whybrow, illustrated by Adrian Reynolds
Sammy has a wonderful time with a box of old dinosaur toys he finds in his grandmother's attic.
Web Resources
Hike Safe
Want to go for a Hike? A lot of what is on this site from the U.S. Forest Service is for grown-ups, but there's a section just for kids, with some games and tips on staying safe when you're outdoors! Going on a hike can be a fun part of field trips, summer camps and vacations with your family. Even though grown-ups are leading your hike, you need to know how to hike safely, too.
ZOOM Games
Here are some games you can play inside or outside!
Outdoor Activities for Children Ages 6-10
This site from Family Education has a collection of outdoor games and activities.
Grist
An interview with Richard Louv about the need to get kids out into nature.
NPR
Audio interview on National Public Radio (NPR) with Richard Louv about his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. |
Some people talk about play as if it were a relief from serious learning; but, for children, play is serious business.