Are you looking for some amazing August children’s books to use with your students or child that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of August is filled with some amazing literacy experiences to explore. Some of these books you may have had the opportunity to read. Hopefully, some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. From the camping themed ideas into the beginning of a new school year, read these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Deusen
Mr. Magee and his trusty dog, Dee are enjoying a wonderful camping trip. Unfortunately, they find themselves in a tricky situation when their camper slides down a mountain to the edge of a waterfall. How will they get out of this slippery situation? This book is filled with beautiful illustrations and playful rhyming text.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Things to Take Camping”
- “Going Camping” Facts Student Booklet
- Camping Gear Match Game
- Camping Number & Ten Frame Match
2. Bailey Goes Camping by Kevin Henkes
A perfect book to show how you can even go camping at home. When his sister and brother are leaving for a camping trip, Bailey is told he must stay home because he is too little. With the help of his Mama and Papa Bailey decides to have a camping adventure at home.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Going Camping Classroom Book
- “I See Camping Trip!” Student Booklet
- My Night in a Tent Student Story
- Camping Build a Word
3. The Kids Campfire Book by Jane Drake
This campfire book has everything you need to know about having a fun and safe campfire. It includes a collection of outdoor activities, games, stories, songs and more is for kids and families to share around the campfire. It also includes tips on how to find the best campfire site, identify animal cries at night and locate constellations.
Literacy Extensions:
- Camping Word Bank
- “C is for Camping” Classroom Book
- Venn Diagram: Winter & Summer
- Campfire Art Project
4. S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James
This camping alphabet book takes the reader on an A-Z trail exploring this outdoor pastime. From what to pack and what to do this non-fiction book with its beautiful watercolor illustrations takes you on a camping adventure.
Literacy Extensions:
- S’mores Word Bank
- How to Make S’mores Classroom Book
- S’more Senses Student Booklet
- S’mores Math Dice Games
5. S’mores Indoors
This book tells the story of young Eleanor whose wild imagination takes her on an adventurous journey around the globe and even back in time. With its delightful illustrations and whimsical rhymes this book inspires children creative and outside play.
Literacy Extensions:
- S’more Counting Student Booklet
- Marshmallow Graphic Organizer
- S’more Make A Short Vowel Word Family
- S’more Paper Plate Art Project
6. First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn’t want to start over at a new school. She doesn’t know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. This charming story will delight readers with its surprise ending.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our First Day Jitters” Classroom Book
- Back to School Picture Match Game
- Back to School Letter & Sound Match
Back to School Counting Games
7. First Day of School by Anne Rockwell
The kids from Mrs. Madoff’s classroom are preparing for a brand-new school year! The first day of school is full of new things. It is exciting, but it also a little scary. What will school be like this year? Share the excitement of the new school year with your students!
Literacy Extensions:
- “School, School, What Do You See?” Classroom Book
- “Back to School I See” Student Counting Booklet
- School Acrostic Poem
- Back to School Patterns
8. Rules for School by Alec Greven
With blackline drawings, this book features a boy named Alec who faces the uncertainties of a new school year. It begins with Rule 1 being, “You have to let go of summer,” is followed by advice on where to sit in the classroom and cafeteria, when to ask questions, and what irritates teachers.
Literacy Extensions:
- Back to School Word Bank
- “Back to School Senses” Student Booklet
- “All About Me” Art Project
- Back to School Sight Word Match Game
Grab a free, “S’mores Counting” Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many amazing August children’s books you can choose from. You could read about camping or try the back to school themed books. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
