Are you looking for some camping themed children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Camping is a fun theme for many students. It is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these camping books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Explore with your children the theme of camping by trying these engaging books and 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. Fred and Ted Go Camping by Peter Eastman
The beloved stars of the author’s book Big Dog, Little Dog are back in a beginner book. In this story Fred and Ted go camping, and as usual, their uniquely different approaches to doing things are very different.
These includes packing equipment, setting up camp, and fishing techniques. All of which have a humorous and sometimes surprising results. The book is a great introduction to opposites that beginner readers will find difficult to put down.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Things to Take Camping”
- Camping Acrostic Poem
- Camping Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Camping Letter & Sound Match BOOM Cards
5. Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish
Amelia Bedelia has never been camping in the great outdoors. She tries her best to do as the Rogers order. But, pitching a tent is not the same as throwing it into the bushes, and catching a fish with bare hands does not mean keeping.
Tent stakes are not the same as tent-shaped steaks. Starting a fire on the grill may take a match more than pinecones and coffee grounds. As usual, the mixed-up housekeeper makes this camping trip one hugely entertaining adventure.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Camping” Student Booklet
- Camping Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Camping Sight Word Match Game
- Camping Number & Ten Frames BOOM
6. Curious George Goes Camping By Margaret & H.A. Rey
This is an entertaining story of the Great Outdoors based on the authors popular primate, Curious George. It is painted in the original watercolor and charcoal style.
George tries to be helpful, but he of course just ends up upsetting a nearby camper. As he’s hiding in the woods, he meets a forest creature who catapults the mischievous monkey into a chain of even more outrageous events!
Literacy Extensions:
- Camping Word Bank
- Camping Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Camping Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Camping Roll & Cover Math Games
7. Maisy Goes Camping by Lucy Cousins
Five in the tent! A camping trip with Maisy turns into a slapstick comedy of errors in this hilarious picture-book adventure. When Maisy sets off to go camping in the country, it’s only natural that all her friends come along, too.
But they soon find that pitching a tent is not an easy thing to do. Even if they do manage to keep the tent up, there’s the matter of fitting them all in, Maisy, Charley, Cyril, Tallulah, and finally, the huge elephant, Eddie. What a squeezy squish-squash! Good night, campers! Uh-oh-what’s that popping sound?
Literacy Extensions:
- “Camping” Classroom Book
- Camping Student Story
- Camping Sight Word Match Game
- Camping Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter is exploring the great outdoors with his dad in this heartwarming and funny classic. The perfect gift to celebrate dads, this sweet story makes a great read aloud.
Whether he and his dad are canoeing, fishing, or building a campfire, parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story.
Literacy Extensions:
- Camping Writing Station Words
- Camping Gear Match Game
- Camping S’more Art Project
- Camping Roll & Cover Math Game
Grab your Free, Camping Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many camping children’s books you can choose from. From camping fiction to nonfiction, the list of 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.”
