Are you looking for some joyful June children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
The month of June is filled with some wonderful holidays and literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these amazing books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. From Father’s Day to the beginning of summer read these engaging books and try some of the extension activities suggested.
1. F is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison
June 14th is Flag Day in America, so many American flags are proudly displayed every day. This book show in simple terms how one flag can mean many things. It could be a symbol of unity, of welcome and that our country is part of one great big family.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Our Flag”
- “Our Flag” Facts Student Booklet
- Flag Art Project
- FLAG Acrostic Poem
2. Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer
A perfect book to celebrate Father’s Day. This Critter’s tale is about a father and son camping trip. It is filled with Critter’s mistakes and good intentions. However, even with these mistakes the father and son manage to make the camping full of fun and adventures.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Our Dads” Classroom Book
- Life Cycle of a Flower Graphic Organizer
- Father’s Day Tool Belt Art Project
- FATHER Acrostic Poem
3. Daddies Do It Different by Alan Lawrence Sitomer
Daddy does not do things the same way Mommy does! This hilarious book looks at the way dads put their own spin on different parts of a child’s life. The book is inspired by the author’s own experiences as a father.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Dads Can”
- “My Dad Book” Student Booklet
- Dad & Mom Venn Diagram
- All About My Father Student Writing Piece
4. Commotion in the Ocean by Giles Andreae
This wonderful collection of poems includes fun rhymes about the creatures who live in and around the ocean. The colorful illustrations will delight children as they discover some wonderful facts about the animals of the sea.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: In the Ocean
- Ocean Animals Real & Nonsense Word Sort
- Octopus Art Project
- Ocean Animals Counting Games
5. Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Seas by Jan Peck
The young sea diver in this book encounters many sea creatures while hunting for treasure in the deep blue sea. He finds out that not every creature is friendly, just watch out for that shark! Fortunately for the diver, her is safe and sound in his own bathtub.
Literacy Extensions:
- Ocean Writing Station Words
- “I See Ocean Animals” Student Counting Booklet
- Ocean Animals Mobile Art Project
- Ocean Roll & Cover Math Game
6. Amazing Facts About Whales by Dan Jackson
Whales can be found in all the world’s seas and oceans. Many of these majestic creatures are on the endangers species list. This beautiful picture book gives and excellent description of each whale along with some fun facts.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Whales Can” Classroom Book
- “Whale Facts” Student Counting Booklet
- Whale Facts Student Sheet
- Whale Mobile Art Project
7. Baby Beluga by Ashley Wolff
Raffi’s most popular song comes alive in this book about a little white whale on the go. It takes the reader on the adorable whale’s busy day in the sea. The delightful illustrations bring to life this wonderful song.
Literacy Extensions:
- Whales Writing Station Words
- “How Many Whales” Student Counting Booklet
- Whale Paper Plate Art Project
- Whales Build a Short Vowel Word
8. Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish is a beautifully illustrated book with wonderful lessons for all of us to learn. The message about selfishness and the importance of sharing are two awfully hard lessons to learn. The author takes us on the journey of how Rainbow Fish comes to learn the importance of sharing.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Going Fishing” Classroom Book
- “Fish Senses” Student Booklet
- Rainbow Fish Art Project
- Fish Counting Match Game
Grab a free, “I See Ocean Animals” Student Booklet Here!
Finally, there are so many joyful June children’s books you can choose from. You could read about the holidays in June or try the ocean theme with its endless sea creatures that can be studied. 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.”
