Are you looking for some Beach children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The beach theme is such a wonderful theme and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Beach books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike the beach, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Day At the Beach by Tom Booth
Every summer, Gideon and his younger sister Audrey build a sandcastle together. But this summer, everything changed. Gideon decides to build the most spectacular sandcastle anyone on the beach has ever seen. And he’s going to do it on his own, without any help from his sister.
But much to his surprise, Gideon discovers that building together is more fun and that everyone has their own unique talent when it comes to creativity and imagination, even Audrey. A day at the beach becomes a lesson in sibling bonding for Gideon in this magical picture book.
Literacy Extensions:
- Beach Word Bank
- “Beach” Student Counting Booklet
- Beach Ball Art Project
- Beach Build a Word Game
2. Who’s Hiding at the Beach by Katharine McEwen
There are lots of creatures at the beach. Where are they hiding and what are they doing?
In this innovative lift-the-flap book, little ones can pore over the beautiful, collaged pages and explore under rocks, shells, and seaweed to find out lots of interesting facts about seaside wildlife. This is the perfect introduction to the outdoors.
Literacy Extensions:
- “At The Beach” Classroom Book
- “Beach Senses” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Beach vs Park
- Beach Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Chu’s Day at the Beach by Neil Gaiman
A new adventure for everyone’s favorite sneezing panda! Chu and his family are going to the beach! Chu is excited. He will get to play in the sand and wade in the water.
But what will happen if Chu sneezes at the beach? And what will happen if he doesn’t? A perfect read-aloud story about a summertime adventure!
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Beach Day”
- Student Booklet: “Beach Counting”
- Beach Numbers, Number Words & Ten Frames
- My Beach Story: Student Worksheets
4. These Little Piggies Go to the Beach by Amy E. Sklansky
From these bestselling author and illustrator, comes this utterly charming, silly, and irresistible read-aloud that sends the little piggies from everyone’s favorite nursery rhyme off to the beach.
Following the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the original (This little piggy went to market..), young children get to follow along as the five piggies pack the car, arrive at the beach, build a sand castle, swim and explore, and play with a beach ball.
It’s the perfect read-aloud for young children and their adults, providing lots to look at, loads of fun action, and a perfect ending to a perfect day at the beach.
Literacy Extensions:
- Beach Literature List
- Beach Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Beach Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Beach Sandcastle Art Project
5. On My Beach by Sara Gilligham
Turn the colorful die-cut pages of this irresistible board book to discover just what makes little crab’s beach so cozy. Is it soft sand? Is it the salty seaweed?
No, it’s his loving family! Bright pictures, a sweet reassuring message, unique layered pages, and an adorable finger puppet combine to create interactive reading and playtime fun!
Literacy Extensions:
- “At The Beach” Classroom Book
- Beach Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Beach Art Project
- Beach Number & Ten Frames
6. Today Is Beach Day by Nancy Viau
Hooray, it’s a beach day! Come along as this family builds sandcastles, plays in the waves, and hunts for seashells. This lively rhyming read-aloud tale will have everyone clamoring for a day at the beach.
Celebrate summer with a day at the beach!
Literacy Extensions:
- Beach Word Bank
- Beach Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Beach Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Beach Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Pete at the Beach by James Dean
Pete the Cat is one groovy cat at finding shells and building sand castles at the beach. But when it gets too hot, there’s only one way to cool off, jump into the ocean! Except Pete might be a scaredy-cat when it comes to the water.
This book is a My First I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Beach Senses” Student Booklet
- Beach Make a Short Vowel Word
- Beach Sight Word Games
- Beach Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Beach Day by Karen Roosa
In this charming picture book, a cheerful family tumbles out of the car and onto the beach, ready for a perfect day. The verses are just right for reading aloud. The bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean!
There is a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch of fried chicken and deviled eggs. This book is a captivating introduction to the beach for young children and a great gift for beach lovers of any age.
Literacy Extensions:
- “My Beach Party” Classroom Book
- Beach Letter & Sound Match Game
- Beach Build a Word
- Beach Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Beach children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Beach books is endless. 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.”
