summer homework for 1st grade

1st grade summer learning activities

We designed four weeks of first grade summer learning activities to help your child build on what they learned this year . Schedule some quiet work time throughout the summer for your child to work on important skills. An adult’s curiosity and assistance may be needed for some activities, especially science. Keep the sessions short and low-pressure, and remember to reward your child’s work with enthusiasm. See more summer learning calendars .

It’s story time!

Superpowered opinions

Counting caterpillars

Living things and nonliving objects

PE challenge

The 5 ways to walk challenge

Boris the Brainiest Baby

Airplane message banners

Patterns of 2, 5, and 10

How to draw cartoon bugs (on Art Projects for Kids)

The jumping jacks challenge

A fantasy story: spooky!

Imagination express

Patterns of 2, 5, and 10 (part 2)

Name that animal

The sprint-walk-hop challenge

Peter Rabbit

A series of events

10 more or 10 less?

Accordion book fun

Dance along and pop the corn (on YouTube)

Winnie-the-Pooh

Family matters

Number sense

How animals care for their young (on PBS)

Vowel sounds: a and e

Question words, question marks

How many in the tent?

Social studies

Living history farms (on PBS)

Great big moose (on Go Noodle)

Vowel sounds: i and o

Joining the family

Continuing patterns

How to draw a fire truck (on Art Projects for Kids)

Vowel sound: ee

Question marks #1

Visualizing skip counting by 2

Clap stomp jump (on Go Noodle)

Vowel sound: ie

Just like you

Adding coins

Make your own wrapping paper

Question marks #2

Party time!

What is theater? (on PBS)

Be a butterfly and try yoga (on YouTube)

Favorite animal

Keeping up good health

Play freeze dance

Adding animals

Word family flip book

Boom Chicka Boom (on YouTube)

Winning games

Adding machines

Moving things

PE challenege

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes

Checking grammar

Punctuation: “”, ?, and !

Addition grid

Create a noisemaker

Poppin’ bubbles (on Go Noodle)

Using doubles

Plant shapes and sizes

Balancing act

Vocabulary word sort

Writing a book review

Counting back

Plants are yummy!

Do the gummy bear (on YouTube)

rhyming words

Faraway family

Subtraction sentences, part 2

Map that house

Starfish jumps

Poems: squishy words

Writing a letter

Putting numbers in order, numbers up to 60

Push or pull?

The windmill

Poems: humorous verses

Visiting another world

Comparing numbers

How to draw a sea shell (on Art Projects for Kids)

Jumping jelly beans

Tongue twisters

Writing recipes: pizza

Animal bar graph

Rough and smooth stuff

Scissor kicks

We hope this 1st grade summer learning calendar is helpful. Check out the summer learning calendars for kindergarten , 2nd grade , 3rd grade , 4th grade , and 5th grade , too!

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First Grade Summer Worksheets and Printables

1st Grade Books for Summer Reading

This post may contain affiliate links.

Keep your soon-to-be or leaving 1st (first) graders, ages 6 and 7, practicing their growing reading skills with the best 1st grade books for summer reading. I’ve curated a list of 1st grade books for your students and kids that they’ll love — and that will keep them reading all summer long. I’m a former teacher and literacy trainer, mom of two, writer, and book blogger who reads over 1,000 books a year. I know the best new releases and the not-to-be-missed timeless classics, too. Based on my teaching background, I can tell you what books for kids are appropriate for growing readers.

These are favorite early reader books for beginning readers, from the easiest books with a few words per page to beginning chapter books with a sentence per page. (For my kids, this was first grade, but for some kids, it’s earlier and for other children, it’s later. All stages of growth are fine!)

You can find harder books on my summer reading list for 2nd graders and more books and reviews for 5- and 6- year olds here .

Keep your first grade kids reading lots and lots of books this summer vacation!

SHOP this Book List

Get Your FREE Summer Reading Printable Packet

Free Summer Reading Programs

ALL SUMMER READING LISTS BY GRADE

All Easy Reader Books

All Beginning Chapter Books

Download the free printable of this summer reading list. NOTE: If you don’t see the printable sign-up below, please clear your cache and try again.

1st Grade Books for Summer Reading List (Ages 6 – 7)

If your 1st grade child loves a book, get more books by the same author or in the same series . Keep them reading as much as you can!

Early Reader Books for 1st Grade Summer Reading

This list of easy readers is 1st grade books with only a few words per page , perfect for kids who are entering first grade and just beginning to read.

Sight words and high frequency words are important at this stage. Read 8 strategies for how to teach sight words beyond memorization.

If your 1st grader is looking for funny early reader books , try these good book recommendations:

My Toothbrush is Missing by Jan Thomas
What is Chasing Duck? by Jan Thomas
Figgy and Boone: Best Brother Ever by Janee Trasler
Pig Makes Art by Laura Gehl
Friends Do Not Eat Friends (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum
We Are in a Book by Mo Willems (all Elephant and Piggie books are fantastic!)
I’m On It (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading) by Andrea Tsurumi
Ed and Ted and Ted’s Dog Fred by Andy Griffiths
Hi, Jack! by Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli
That Egg is Mine by Liz Goulet Dubois
Let’s Make Cake (Bobo and Pup Pup) by Vikram Madan

If your 1st grade child likes stories about daily life and friendship , try:

I Did It! by Michael Emberley
Ruby and the Magic Garden (Fairy Hill) by Cari Meister
We Are Growing by Laurie Keller
Don’t Worry, BEE Happy by Ross Burach
Frog Meets Dog by Janee Trasler
Big Cat by Ethan Long
The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
Trucktown by Jon Scieszka
Peach and Plum Here We Come! by Tim McCanna (graphic novel)
Emerson Is Mighty Girl! by Meredith Rusu
Kit and Kaboodle Take the Train by Michelle Portice
Unlimited Squirrels in I Lost My Tooth! by Mo Willems
Nick and Nack Fly a Kite by Brandon Budzi
Pass the Ball, Mo! by David A. Adler
Do You Like My Bike? (Hello, Hedgehog!) by Norm Feuti
The Great Bunk Bed Battle by Tina Kugler

If your 1st grade reader likes animal stories , try these 1st grade books:

Slow, Slow Sloths by Bonnie Bader
Am I a Frog? by Lizzy Rockwell
Little Big Horse by Dave Horowitz
We Dig Worms by Kevin McCloskey
The Lost Kitten (Katie Fry, Private Eye) by Katherine Cox
Lazy Bear, Crazy Bear by Kevin Bolger
Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick & David Serlin
Goat Wants to Eat by Laura Gehl
Guinness World Records Daring Dogs by Cari Meister
Snails Are Just My Speed! by Kevin McCloskey

Go here for want MORE easy readers with reviews for first grade age children .

Picture Books for 1st Grade Readers

Picture books are always great book choices for 1st graders because they can be read independently or read as read alouds. Hopefully, you are still reading aloud to your 6 year olds 10 – 20 minutes a day. If you’re not, summer is a great time to start this important literacy practice.

Izmelda The Fairest Dragon of Them All! by Joan Marr
Wombats Are Pretty Weird: A (Not So) Serious Guide by Abi Cushman
How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst
Stinkbird Has a Superpower by Jill Esbaum
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle
A Bucket of Questions by Tim Fita
Octopuses Have Zero Bones by Anne Richardson
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Pineapple Princess by Saina Hahn
Poo-Dunit? A Forest Floor Mystery by Katelyn Aronson
Ways to Make Friends by Jairo Buitrago
Gibberish by Young Vo
Dodos Are Not Extinct! They’re Just in Disguise by Paddy Donnelly
Don’t Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) by Mike Boldt
Pizza with Everything on It by Kyle Scheele
Looking for a Jumbie by Tracey Baptiste
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! by Donna Barba Higuera
Except Antarctica! by Todd Sturgell
The Little Butterfly That Could by Ross Burach
Connor Kissed Me written by Zehava

Easiest Chapter Books for 1st Grade

Easy chapter books have pictures with words. The easiest chapter books for 1st grade readers have just a few sentences per page. Try these fantastic 1st grade books with chapters…

(If you want to read my reviews of each 1st grade book, go here .)

Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog by David LaRochelle
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! by Mo Willems
See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat by David LaRochelle

First Grade Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading

Easy chapter books have bigger text with pictures every few pages. These books listed range from middle of 1st grade to beginning of second-grade reading levels.

( Go here for 2nd-grade chapter book list. )

If your first grader likes animal main characters , read:

Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto
Pug Blasts Off (Diary of a Pug) by Kyla May
Owly: The Way Home and The Bittersweet Summer by Andy Runton
Fenway and the Bone Thieves by Victoria J. Coe
Doggo & Pupper by Katherine Applegate
Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
The Cozy Home written by Ame Dyckman
Orris and Timble The Beginning written by Kate DiCamillo
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Looking for 1st grade books about superheroes and magic ? Try one of these choices…

Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Bo’s Magical New Friend (Unicorn Diaries) by Rebecca Elliott
Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison
Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero by Kara West
Kung Pow Chicken by Cindi Marko

If your 1st grade children like funny books , try:

Smell My Foot (Chick and Brain) by Cece Bell
Monkey Me by Timothy Roland
Moldylocks and the Three Beards by Noah Z. Jones
The Infamous Ratsos by Kara Lareau
Geeger the Robot Goes to School by Jarret Lerner
Nugget and Hot Dog by Jason Tharp

If your 1st grade kids like realistic books , read:

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqui
Cornbrea d & Poppy by Matthew Cordell
Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliott
Happy Paws: Layla and the Bots by Vicky Fang
The Party and Other Stories (Fox and Chick) by Sergio Ruzzier

If your 1st graders like adventure and mystery books , try:

Press Start! Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy! by Thomas Flintham
Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot #1 by Dav Pilkey
Notebook of Doom #1 by Troy Cummings
King and Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth by Dori Hillestad Butler

If your 1st graders like nonfiction books , try:

Caterpillar to Butterfly by Laura Marsh
Jungle Animals by Camilla Gersh
Amazing D o gs by Laura Buller
Fly Guy Presents Snakes by Tedd Arnold

DON’T MISS THESE:

Summer Reading Printable Packet

Free Summer Printable for Kids

Activity Books for Kids

Summer Writing Ideas

Get the 1st Grade Summer Reading List!

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KEEP READING:

Book Series for 1st Graders

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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12 Comments

Hi I tried signing up through my email to receive the lists but nothing has been sent. Can you send me the links for k-8? Thank you in advance!

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Hi. Do you have a printable list that you can link?

Hmmm — my forms must not be working properly today. Here you go: https://imaginationsoup.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/1st-Grade-Summer-Reading-List-.pdf

Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Summer Worksheets for First Graders

Breaks from school are so nice (and so necessary), but long ones can have a negative impact on a student’s achievement. Year after year, we often have parents asking for summer worksheets, so I’m not sure why it took me so long to jump on board and make some.

I think summer break should be a time for kids to let loose and embrace all the freedoms that go along with being a kid. And because I hold that belief in high regard, I used to bristle at the idea of sending home extra work… until my husband told me something I didn’t already know about him.

Apparently, he was the kid who would finish an entire workbook of math problems and word searches in one day and then beg his mom for more…. like on DAY ONE of summer vacation. Who does that?

Learners. That’s who.

So, thanks to his sweet little nerdy story and some research on the topic, I finally acquiesced and made a set of summer worksheets for our first graders.

WHAT IS SUMMER LEARNING LOSS?

If you’re working in a year-round school, this likely isn’t a concern of yours. But for children in schools with a traditional ten-month calendar, the long summer break poses a risk. A regression in academic proficiency is possible and younger children are at a higher risk for the most learning loss because they’re at a crucial stage in their development.

Dr. James Kim, an assistant professor at Harvard University, writes: “In general, kids learn a lot more in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade than kids in middle or high school. Learning follows a curve where it’s accelerated early in life and then plateaus. Skills like decoding, letter knowledge, and word reading are very susceptible to decay without frequent practice, as are math facts like addition and subtraction.” You can READ THE FULL ARTICLE here.

Related Article: SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF SUMMER READING LOSS

FIRST, AN END OF THE YEAR PUSH

In the last month leading up to the long summer break, plan for some fun review of the skills taught throughout the school year. Children love to play READING GAMES and do fun MATH ACTIVITIES with their friends. So gather a bunch of your favorites and let the fun (and learning) keep going all the way to the end!

$summer homework for 1st grade$

WHAT CAN FAMILIES DO?

To help prevent a summer slide , we’ve been giving families these simple suggestions for years. They’re kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and still hold true.

Make time to read with your child every day. Get comfortable, keep it casual, and talk about what you’re reading.
Work on puzzles and play games designed for children.
Stock the car with flash cards, books, children’s magazines, and educational toys.
Field trips aren’t just for school. Visit cool places in your town… a science museum, a hiking trail, or a park, for example.
Let your child help you shop for groceries and prepare meals. These might seem like chores to you, but they’re full of opportunities to follow directions and talk about math.
Help your child learn a new skill or start a new hobby.
Watch an educational show or a kid-friendly documentary and spend some time talking about it.
Give your child a brand new notebook and set of markers. A summer journal is a great place to write about, well, anything!
Play simple word games like Hangman. Taking turns in this game allows your child to practice both reading and spelling.
Go on scavenger hunts outside, but throw in a little learning twist such as, “Let’s find things that begin with vowels.” Or, “Let’s look for things that are longer than six inches.”
Run by a dollar store, grab some card games, and let the fun begin!

This list could go on and on. The point is to provide busy families with simple suggestions that keep their children from parking themselves in front of the TV for two months.

SUMMER REVIEW FOR FIRST GRADERS

This year, for the cherry on top (so says my husband), we’re now adding a PACKET OF SUMMER WORKSHEETS that reflect a variety of ELA and math standards. It’s a win-win all the way around.

For the workbook-loving kids, it’s pages and pages of skill review. (I can already picture some of the kids playing school with their stuffed animals.) And for the I’d-rather-get-dirty-in-a-mud-puddle kids, simply doing 1-2 pages a day throughout the summer will help keep them sharp and prepped for second grade.

The resource includes multiple cover options and enough reading, writing, and math content to last children up to nine weeks… assuming they don’t plow through it all in one day.

As a matter of fact, I’d probably encourage parents to help their child with pacing. The purpose of the workbook is to provide an ongoing opportunity to practice skills so kids don’t experience losses in achievement. For that reason, it would be best to do a little bit of work each day.

If your budget doesn’t allow for the printing of a class set of summer worksheets, I get it. Another option is to share the link to the resource (or one like it) with your students’ families. That way, they can download the materials on their own at the beginning of the summer. I think many families understand the economic challenges of school budgets and are able to make small investments where they can.

PREPPING THE SUMMER PACKETS

Don’t be scared off by all the color.👇 The covers are provided in black-and-white for students to color on their own. Actually, one of my favorite low-cost hacks for making something pop with color is to just have it printed on vibrant copy paper. (See the yellow sample above.)

And what about binding? We have a machine and tons of PLASTIC COMBS … they’re affordable and easy to use. But these summer packets could also be stapled or simply sent home inside folders or large envelopes.

Whichever way you decide to go, I think the important thing is help parents help their kids. The idea that their children will be away from school for more than eight weeks can cause anxiety for a lot of parents, in more ways than one…

…who remember the STAPLES commercial where the dad is gleefully doing his kids’ back-to-school shopping while we listen to It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year playing in the background? LOL

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA… FUN SUMMER READING

How do you know the ocean is friendly?

Children love silly jokes… the cornier, the better. What we love about this printable SUMMER JOKE BOOK is the level of text difficulty and the opportunity for children to illustrate each page in a way that makes sense to them. On the last page, there’s an invitation to try writing their own silly summer joke. It’s a really simple end-of-the-year gift to send home with children. They’ll be entertaining their families with these jokes all summer long!

(And parents everywhere just sighed. 😂)

Happy teaching!

WANT ONLY THE DIRECTED DRAWINGS?

SUMMER BREAK DIRECTED DRAWINGS

In the Loop

andrea.knight.teacher.author

Ten First Grade Summer Learning Activities

Have you been looking for some first-grade summer learning activities for your students or children? Learning should not stop just because it is the summer months.

Research has shown that kids can lose as much as one to two months of reading and math skills over the summer. Some people call this the “summer slide”.

Making sure your first grader’s brain is active during the summer months is important. You can prevent that summer slide from happening by trying some of these first-grade summer learning activities!

Activity 1: Visit the Library

This can be done online or if possible, in person. Many libraries have wonderful summer programs, story times and special summer events. They also have many programs online that your child can participate in throughout the summer months.

Activity 2: Read Daily

Reading daily is probably the most important activity a child can do in the summer months. This simple activity can prevent that summer learning slide. Here are some ideas that may help!

practice reading favorite books and library books
read books sent home from school
books online: many websites have leveled books that can be downloaded and sites that have video Read Aloud
read a bedtime story: snuggle up and read aloud to your child

Activity 3: Play Word Games

Word games are a great first grade summer learning activity. Not only do they increase your child’s vocabulary skills, it maintains and improves their phonics skills. Check these word game ideas out!

word hunt: create a word list and hide sight or vocabulary words around the house on sticky notes. Student must find each word on the list read it out loud and use it in a sentence.
new word game: teach your child a new word each day. Look for new descriptive words on TV, in books or on your travels. Look it up in the dictionary, write the word, and use it in a sentence. Try to use that word in conversation during the day
sight word dice games: practice first grade sight words with dice games
phonics dice games: practice first grade phonic skills with dice games

Activity 4: Summer Activity Calendars

Summer activity calendars are a great way to sharpen students reading and math skills during the time off school. There are many calendars that can be copied online or you can make up your own with your child’s help.

summer learning activities for First Graders

Activity 5: The Gift of Writing

Writing is such a wonderful skill for your first grader to work on during the summer months. Writing in a journal, sending a letter to someone, or just writing about a topic can be a fun way to practice their writing skills. Maybe some of these ideas may help.

personalized daily writing journal: create a personalize journal for child with a fancy cover with their name and stickers.
writing letters or cards to family & friends and ask them to write back, getting mail is always exciting.
D.E.W (Drop Everything and Write) Topic or Themed Writing: School, My Friends, My Family, I Would Like to Visit, My Teacher, Spring, Bugs, Butterflies, Baseball, etc.

Grab Your Free Summer Fun Writing Pages Here!

Activity 6: Get Those Fingers Limber

It is important that students continue their progress with their fine motor skills. These include cutting, threading, grasping, and pencil/paper activities. Here are a few ideas for you to try!

Cutting with scissors: shapes, lines, pictures, strips of paper
Threading beads to make a bracelet or necklace
Weaving paper or cardboard
Playing with playdough
Punching holes with a single hole puncher

Activity 7: Use Summer Themed Materials

You could prepare your student’s learning activities around a summer theme. Your children or students may have a specific interest that they would like to learn about during the summer.

Prepare a variety of cross-curricular activities that your first grader can do around this topic. It is much easier to pull in the academic areas of science and social studies when a theme is chosen.

Here are some summer suggested themes:

ocean/ocean animals
butterflies/bugs
baseball/soccer
camping/ s’mores

Grab Your Free Summer Student Booklet Here!

summer learning activities for kindergarteners

Activity 8: Shake and Roll Math Games

First grade summer learning activities need to include math skills. Just like reading, these skills need to be practiced daily so your child can improve and maintain these important skills. Try some of these activities to practice these skills.

Roll It! Read It! Say the Sum or Difference Math Facts Dice Games
Roll & Bump Two & Three Addend Addition Dice Games
Daily Calendar & Math Reviews
Cuddle Up with a Math Problem: Bedtime Math http://bedtimemath.org/apps/

$first grade summer learning activities$

Activity 9: Online Resources

There are so many summer materials already developed and out there for you to use. Many of these resources are free for the taking and some are very minimally priced. Here are just a few for you to look at. Try some of these suggestions.

Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT): free and paid resources; themed materials; materials for all curricular areas
Pinterest: ideas for every subject, themed materials
Learning Sites: available for every subject area
ABC YA: abcya.com
Fun Brain: funbrain.com
Star Fall: starfall.com
PBS Kids: pbs.org
Storyline Online: storylineonline.net
Into the Book: reading.ecb.org
National Geographic for Kids: kids.nationalgeographic.com

Activity 10: Run, Jump & Play

Just as important as the academic areas, running around and playing is essential for your child’s brain development. Research has shown that exercise helps improve a child’s memory, concentration, and ability to learn. You can have organized exercise activities or just let them play!

Hopefully, some of these first-grade summer learning activities will be helpful to you and your students or child. Summer is a time for children to relax, but it is important to make sure they are keeping an active mind. Try practicing learning skills with some fun learning games and activities to get them ready to have a successful school year and prevent the summer slide!

Find some more reading activities and assessments in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.

To read more first grade topics check out my blog, “Five Ways to Develop First Grade Reading Comprehension”

Summer worksheets

Free printable summer worksheets from around Planes&Balloons!

Check out all the summer printables to keep learning loss in check during the long summer break.

The list includes all the worksheets from preschool to first grade, so make sure to check them all out and download the ones you need.

Summer worksheets pdf

Below you will find a complete list of all the summer worksheets pdf from around the site.

Children will practice skills such as pre-writing, scissor skills, alphabet, upper and lowercase letters, numbers, addition and subtraction, summer coloring pages, and so much more!

Print these out for summer school at home or for easy road trip activities, too!

All you need to do is have a printer and paper at hand and you can print out pages and pages of fun summer worksheets in minutes.

Help your kids to stay on top of their academic skills during the summer with these free summer printables!

Summer worksheets for kids

Explore all the summer worksheets here on Planes&Balloons! Some are more suitable for preschoolers and others for order children in kindergarten or even first grade.

Summer alphabet letter hunt with sea shells

SUMMER LETTER HUNT PRINTABLE

cactus theme same or different worksheets

Cactus Same Or Different

Addition To 10 Summer Review

Summer patterns kindergarten math

Camping I spy Printable

Summer Easy Reader book

Summer beginning sounds

Summer Missing Numbers 1-100

Summer Counting 1-20

Canoe Race Tracing Worksheets

Summer vocabulary building mini book - page with a crab

Summer Words Mini Book

Summer Number Order

American flag clipart for teaching American symbols

American symbols for kids

Camping color by letter

Summer I Spy And Graph

Summer word search

Summer Missing Letters

cutting lines summer worksheets for preschool

Summer Scissor Skills

Cut and paste missing pieces of pictures of American symbols - worksheet

4th of July worksheets

Summer missing numbers

Summer worksheets.

More summer worksheets for preschoolers and kindergarten kiddos too:

Summer Letters, Numbers, And Shapes

Sunflower Color By Number

Summer Picture Tracing

Flags Of The World Memory Game

Ice Cream Fact Families

Lemonade Stand Letters

Smoothie Shop Graphing

Fruits and vegetables tracing and coloring pages

Fruit And Vegetable Coloring Pages

Make sure to take a look at my premium Pre-K to Kindergarten Summer Review Packet ! It’s packed with learning and fun, and BONUS freebies, too!

Summer activities for kids

And there’s more! Read the descriptions and check out some other summer activities and free printables.

Ascending order worksheets – practice numbers all the way to 100 and arrange them in ascending order
Summer Number Order Puzzles (+add your own numbers/letters) – colorful ice cream and ocean puzzles
ABC Color By Number – practice letters and numbers with this fun coloring activity
Berry Picking Learning Pack for Preschool – have fun learning during summer with this printable bundle full of berries
Ocean Animals Counting Pages – count the sea creatures and trace numbers too
Animals Connect The Dots – connect the numbers up to 60 while making pictures of animals
Ocean Same Or Different – spot the differences between pictures of ocean animals
Upper And Lowercase Letter Match – cut and paste alphabet activity perfect for summer practice
Easy Dot To Dot Printables – beach and space pictures children will finish by following the correct number order
Sunny Sight Words For Kindergarten – a set of sight words to work on during the summer
Summer Sight Words For Kindergarten – color the seashells with the correct sight word
Critical Thinking Skills For Preschoolers – find one picture that doesn’t belong with the rest
Beach Summer Activity Page – cross out pictures that don’t belong to the beach, plus a cute coloring page
Busy Bees Number Sequence Worksheets – help the bee follow correct number sequence
Popsicles Coloring Page – have fun coloring the popsicles with your favorite colors!
Flip Flop Summer Coloring Page – cute summer coloring page for kids and adults
More Summer Coloring Pages – butterflies, hummingbirds, and flowers to color
Summer Fruit Coloring Page – perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
Editable First Day of School Sign – for when you’re getting ready for the next school year
Summer Learning Packet – summer worksheets bundle that covers various topics

I hope you find this list of free summer worksheets helpful!

And make sure to come back and check for more fun summer worksheets as I keep adding more every year.

Happy summer everyone!

An array of summer worksheets pages on yellow background with blue text overlay

More Free Printables:

Numbers and counting worksheets Shapes worksheets Addition and subtraction worksheets Cut and paste worksheets Free tracing worksheets Sight words worksheets Alphabet worksheets A to Z

Summer Learning with 1st Grade Worksheets

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Are you ready to keep you kid’s brains sharp with summer learning? If you aren’t ready yet, don’t worry! I’ve got a complete 8 weeks of 1st Grade Worksheets to keep your child from suffering the all-to-common 30% summer learning loss! These summer worksheets for 1st grade are a quick and easy way to help your grade 1 students review throughtout the summer in just 5 minutes to they don’t forget what they learned.

Summer worksheets for 1st grade

1st grade summer worksheets

So in about 5 minutes a day your child will complete one of these worksheet for kids and stop the 30% Summer Learning Loss!

Summer worksheets for grade 1

Here is a small sample of what you’ll see inside. You will find the key math, grammar, and writing practice your 1st grader needs to review and keep fresh to have them ready to tackle 2nd grade in the fall!

Stop the summer learning loss for 1st graders going into 2nd grade

If you are using it with a coop or classroom please purchase a teacher licensed version at my TPT store .

Free printable worksheets for 1st grade

If you have a 1st grader and you are looking for more fun, hands on 1st grade Worksheets , games and activities to make learning fun – you will love these resources!

100 Books 1st Graders can Read Themselves with free 1st grade reading books pdf free
Fun-to-Read Chapter Books for 1st Graders
Free Printable 1st Grade Book Report template
Kid favorite, FREE Cut and Paste Worksheets for a variety of subjects!
Sight Words Printable List
First Grade Word Search
Phonics Dab the th worksheets
sh, ch, th word Digraph Games
Ending Blends Worksheets with do a dot markers
Cut and Paste L Blends Worksheets
LOTS more free printable phonics worksheets and games

FREE Telling Time Puzzles - super cute math game to help kindergarten and first grade students learn to tell time with a clock game for kids! #mathgames #kindergarten #kindergartenmath #1stgrade #grade1math

1st Grade Math

1st Grade Reading Games – Reading the Easy Way 1st Grade
Fun, hands-on Counting Coins Games
Over 500 pages of Kindergarten Writing Prompts Free
Sentence Scramble Worksheet s
Princess Color by Sight Word Worksheets
Lots of fun, free money games for kids
Free Printable Number Bond Games
Time Puzzles make learning to use a clock FUN
Gumball Math Worksheets to practice addition & subtraction
Crack the Code Worksheet s for practicing math while having fun
Bingo Shapes Game
Color the Coin Money Coloring Pages
Addition and Subtraction Math Mystery
Printable Addition Tic-Tac-Toe Game
Free Hundreds Tens and Ones Worksheets
Free printable 1st grade math worksheets

Looking for quick and easy magnet experiments for kids? This magnetic field sensory bottle allows toddler, preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th graders to explore magnets for kids in a playful way. Kids will be amazed at the power of magnets in this magnet game for kids. This is such a fun science activity for children to explore magnet science experimensts.

1st Grade Science

Solar System Worksheets Pack
Life-size Human Body Project with free printable template
EASY Lemon Battery Experiment
12 Hands-on Battery Experiment Ideas for Kids
Mind-blowing Magnetic Slime for Kids
Magnet experiments for Kids
Balloon Solid, liquid, gas hands-on activities plus other projects
Phases of the Moon for Kids – worksheets, activities, Oreo moon phases, and more
Weather Unit with worksheets and hands-on weather activities for kids
Learn the planet names with this Solar System for Kids Lesson plus tons of other Solar System Project Ideas

Dive in to this fun Ocean Animals Lesson filled with fascinating information about the oceans, whales, star fish, sharks, and more amazing creatures. You will find engaging text, science experiments, printable worksheets, life cycles, printable crafts, label the anatomy, report templates, creative writing prompts, beautiful color flashcards, and so much more!

Grade 1 Science

Learn about Animal Classifications for Kids with these free printable cootie catchers
Lots of 1st Grade Science Projects
HUGE Ocean Animals for Kids Unit
Dive into the amazing world of botany with this plants for kids lessons
Learn about LOTS of life cycles for kids (panda, spider, watermelon, bee, sunflower, spider, and more!)
TONS of fun Human Body for Kids activities, expeirments, and free printables too!
Free Scientific Method Worksheet s

Worksheet for Grade 1

Help children learn about the great country of the United States with these free printables. Plus don’t miss all our fun, free, and immersive history lessons for kids

Printable USA Presidents Coloring Pages
Cute, Free Printable State Coloring Pages
Free Printable States and Capitals Matching Game
United States Coloring Pages
Free Presidents Worksheets – Learn about all the American presidents
US States I Spy Worksheets
Help kids understand where do I live with this clever printable activity
Learn about American symbols with these Patriotic American Symbols for Kids
How much do you know about USA for Kids ? Color the flag, look at a map, discover famous landmarks like the statue of liberty,and more!
American Symbols Worksheets
Explore American History for kids including lots of fun, hands on activities and free printables
4 week lesson about Early Explorers for Kids
The Colonial America for Kids lesson takes kids on a journey back to the first permanent settlement in America – Jamestown. Students will learn about colonial life with lots of hands on projects like eating Gruel, making a Wattle & Daub house, and creating a tin lantern will make the settlement come alive.
We will make westward expansion for kids come alive for kids as they learn facts about the time period from about 1783-1898. In addition to learning about the Oregon trail, pony express, gold rush, transcontinental railroad, students will also learn to match animal trails, map the united states, and learn about North American animals too.
Pennant History Posters to see US History At-a-Glance
Learn about the Roaring 1920s for Kids – Printable Book to Read, Color, and Learn
Rosa Parks for Kids Printable Reader to Color and Learn
Martin Luther King Jr for Kids Printable Reader to Color and Learn
Free Printable Maps including world map, continents, and country maps with and without labeling
Ready to dive more in depth? Check out Country Study for Kids – look at 16 countries around the world up close
Use Lego to explore famous landmarks in countries for kids
Research and learn with these free Children around the World Worksheets
Roll into Geography – Printable Geography Games
You can find all our FREE printable country coloring pages covering over 36 different nations – or jump right to France Coloring Pages , China Coloring Pages , Italy Coloring Pages , Mexico Coloring Pages , Germany Coloring Pages , Japan Coloring Pages , Canada Coloring Pages , Puerto Rico Coloring Pages , Brazil Coloring Pages , Kenya Coloring Pages , and Philippines Coloring Pages
Over 1+ million pages of Free Printable Worksheets

Beth Gorden

Beth Gorden is the creative multi-tasking creator of 123 Homeschool 4 Me. As a busy homeschooling mother of six, she strives to create hands-on learning activities and worksheets that kids will love to make learning FUN! She has created over 1 million pages of printables to help teach kids ABCs, science, English grammar, history, math, and so much more! Beth is also the creator of 2 additional sites with even more educational activities and FREE printables – www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com and www.preschoolplayandlearn.com. Beth studied at the University of Northwestern where she got a double major to make her effective at teaching children while making education FUN!

Summer Work Packets for 1st Grade: Engaging and Educational Activities

As the summer season approaches, it's important to keep young minds engaged and active. Summer work packets for 1st grade offer a wonderful opportunity for children to reinforce their learning from the previous school year while having fun. In this article, we will explore the benefits of summer work packets and provide you with a comprehensive guide to creating an exciting and educational packet for your 1st grader.

Telling time

Telling time to minutes

Addition 1 to 10

Addition 1 to 10 t rex game

Addition with pictures

Addition with pictures game

Counting Objects

Counting objects zombie games

Shapes game

Shapes crocodile game online

Spelling numbers

Spelling numbers zombie game

Spelling numbers memory game

Spelling 6 to 10

Spelling 6 to 10 numbers memory game

Subtraction

Subtraction snakes and ladders game

Even and odd numbers snakes and ladders game

Even and odd numbers game

Addition with pictures crocodile game

Addition one to ten snakes and ladders game

Subtraction 1 to 20

Subtraction 1 to 20 wheel of fortune

$Find the area of a circle crocodile game$

Telling time minutes past

Basketball on shapes online

Adding zero

$Comparing fractions crocodile game$

Addition of zero wheel of fortune game

Fractions on pics

Fractions shown with pictures crocodile game

Addition 1 to ten croc game online

Addition of doubles

Addition of doubles crocodile game

Addition of three digit numbers croc game

Addition of zero to other numbers crocodile game.

Division Game

Division croc game online for children.

Even or Odd

Identifying even and odd numbers game

Add & Subtract

Car race add and subtract game online

Multiplication

Multiplication by five digit numbers croc game.

Number spellings

Spelling numbers above twenty croc game

Spelling numbers > 20 croc game online

Number spellings to 20 online crocodile game

Even & odd numbers

Even and odd numbers

Place Value

Place value space dog game

Addition game

Addition from one to ten game

Prime numbers

Prime numbers croc game online for students

Roman numerals

Roman numerals game, croc game.

Subtraction 3 digits crocodile game for students

Subtraction of two digit numbers croc game

Subtraction within 20 crocodile game online

1. The Importance of Summer Learning

The summer break provides a well-deserved rest for students, but it's crucial to recognize the potential learning loss that can occur during this period. Studies have shown that students often experience a decline in academic skills over the summer, particularly in subjects like math and reading. Summer work packets offer an effective solution to combat this learning loss and ensure a smooth transition into the next grade.

2. What Are Summer Work Packets?

Summer work packets are collections of educational activities and exercises designed to reinforce and review key concepts learned during the previous school year. These packets are typically tailored to specific grade levels and cover subjects such as math, reading, writing, science, and more. By engaging in these activities over the summer, students can maintain their skills and prevent the summer slide.

3. Why Should You Consider Summer Work Packets for 1st Grade?

Summer work packets for 1st grade provide numerous benefits for young learners. Here are a few reasons why you should consider incorporating them into your child's summer routine:

Continuity of Learning : Summer work packets bridge the gap between school years, ensuring a smooth transition for your child into 2nd grade.
Skill Retention : Regular practice through the summer helps children retain the knowledge and skills they have acquired.
Confidence Boost : Completing summer work packets boosts children's self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
Preventing Learning Loss : Engaging in educational activities over the summer prevents the loss of essential academic skills.
Parental Involvement : Summer work packets provide an opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey.

4. How to Create an Effective Summer Work Packet for 1st Grade

To create an effective summer work packet for your 1st grader, follow these essential steps:

4.1 Gathering Educational Resources

Start by gathering a variety of educational resources that align with the 1st-grade curriculum. Look for worksheets, activity books, online platforms, and educational apps that offer interactive and engaging learning opportunities. Ensure that the resources you choose cover a range of subjects, including math, reading, science, and writing.

4.2 Selecting Engaging Activities

Choose activities that are age-appropriate, interactive, and fun. Incorporate puzzles, games, hands-on experiments, and creative projects to make the learning experience enjoyable for your child. Remember to align the activities with the specific skills and concepts your child learned in 1st grade.

4.3 Incorporating Variety and Fun

To keep your child motivated and interested, incorporate a variety of activities in your summer work packet. Mix worksheets with hands-on projects, reading assignments with outdoor explorations, and individual tasks with collaborative exercises. This variety will ensure that your child remains engaged and excited about learning throughout the summer.

5. Structuring Your Summer Work Packet

Now that you have gathered resources and selected engaging activities, it's time to structure your summer work packet. Here is a suggested outline for organizing your packet:

5.1 Introduction and Welcome Letter

Begin your packet with a warm and encouraging introduction. Include a welcome letter that outlines the purpose of the summer work packet and expresses your excitement about your child's learning journey over the summer.

5.2 Reviewing Core Subjects

Dedicate sections of your packet to review core subjects such as math and reading. Include worksheets, exercises, and reading assignments that reinforce essential skills and concepts.

5.3 Building Reading Skills

Devote a section to enhance your child's reading skills. Include age-appropriate books, reading comprehension activities, and suggested reading lists to encourage a love for reading.

5.4 Strengthening Math Skills

Incorporate math activities that reinforce foundational math skills. Include worksheets, number games, and real-world math problems to make math enjoyable and practical.

5.5 Exploring Science and Nature

Include hands-on science experiments and nature exploration activities. Encourage your child to observe the world around them, ask questions, and discover scientific principles through fun experiments.

5.6 Promoting Creativity and Artistic Expression

Allocate space in your packet for creative projects that promote artistic expression. Include coloring pages, drawing exercises, and craft ideas to nurture your child's creativity.

6. Tips for Successful Implementation

To ensure a successful summer work packet experience, consider the following tips:

6.1 Establishing a Routine

Set a consistent schedule for working on the summer packet. Determine a specific time and place for completing the activities, creating a sense of structure and responsibility.

6.2 Balancing Work and Play

While the summer work packet is important, remember to balance it with recreational activities and playtime. Encourage your child to enjoy outdoor activities, engage in hobbies, and spend time with friends and family.

6.3 Providing Encouragement and Support

Support your child throughout the summer work packet journey. Offer guidance when needed, celebrate their achievements, and provide positive reinforcement to keep them motivated.

7. Monitoring Progress and Celebrating Achievements

Regularly monitor your child's progress through the summer work packet. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments to boost their confidence and make the learning experience enjoyable.

Summer work packets for 1st grade are valuable tools for preventing the summer slide and ensuring a smooth transition into the next grade. By creating an engaging and educational packet, you can help your child retain essential skills while enjoying their summer break.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I customize the summer work packet to suit my child's interests?

Absolutely! You can personalize the activities in the packet to align with your child's interests. Consider incorporating topics or themes that excite your child to make the learning experience more enjoyable.

Q2: How much time should my child spend on the summer work packet each day?

It is recommended to allocate 1-2 hours per day for the summer work packet. However, you can adjust the duration based on your child's attention span and other summer commitments.

Q3: Can I seek assistance if my child struggles with certain concepts in the packet?

Of course! If your child encounters difficulties with specific concepts, reach out to their previous or upcoming grade-level teacher for guidance. They can provide additional resources or suggestions to support your child's learning.

Q4: Are there online platforms that offer summer work packets for 1st grade?

Yes, there are several online platforms that offer pre-made summer work packets specifically designed for 1st graders. Explore educational websites or consult with your child's school for recommended online resources.

Q5: How can I motivate my child to complete the summer work packet?

Engage your child by making the learning experience interactive and fun. Offer rewards for completing certain milestones, create a supportive and encouraging environment, and participate in the activities together to make it an enjoyable experience.

We offer PDF printables in the highest quality.

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Take aim at the "Summer Slide" and get your students excited about reading with these titles picked specifically for kids at the first grade reading level.

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Take aim at the "Summer Slide" and get your students excited about reading with these titles picked specifically for kids at the first grade reading level.

by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz (illus.)
From the moment Alexander wakes up and finds gum in his hair, everything goes wrong! His brothers both get prizes in their cereal boxes, his best friend demotes him to third-best friend, there are lima beans for dinner, and there is kissing on TV. All kids experience this kind of day and will be glad to find they are not alone!

by Stan Berenstain, Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears endure countless trials before finding a suitable picnic spot.

by Russell Hoban, Garth Williams (illus.)
It may be bedtime for Frances, but that doesn't mean Frances is ready to go to bed -- not by a long shot. First she must have a glass of milk and make certain Mother and Father have each kissed her good night (twice). Then she is ready to imagine there is a tiger in her room, and a giant, and ... each time Frances thinks up something new, off she goes to tell her ever-patient, if increasingly weary, parents. The familiar delaying tactics of Frances the song-singing badger have delighted fans young and old for more than three decades. Combining sympathetic understanding with gentle humor, Russell Hoban created in Frances a character at once immediately recognizable and eminently likable. In this new edition, the warmth of full color enriches Garth Williams's original artwork, bringing a fresh look to an enduring favorite.

by Bill Martin, Eric Carle (illus.)
Eric Carle's double-page tissue collages and Bill Martin's friendly chant unite to create this vibrant introduction to colors. The first line of the book is the title, to which a big brown bear responds, "I see a redbird looking at me." The redbird responds with another animal and so on, until a mother (or a teacher, depending on the edition) asks a group of children what they see. A wonderful read-aloud for either a group or individuals, this book is a favorite of teachers.

by Esphyr Slobodkina
A cap peddler wakes from a nap to find all his caps are gone -- a bunch of naughty monkeys have taken them up a tree. Angrily shaking his finger at the monkeys, the peddler demands his caps back, but the monkeys only shake their fingers and say "Tsz, tsz, tsz." No matter what the peddler does, the monkeys only imitate him. Finally, the peddler is so enraged he throws his cap on the ground -- and all the monkeys follow suit!

by Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark (illus.)
At the beginning of spring, Franklin and all his friends have training wheels on their bikes. But soon Franklin is the only one who can't ride without them. Every time he tries he falls down, and he's beginning to get discouraged. His mom finally convinces him to keep with it, and Franklin finally rides on his own.

by Judy Blume, Sonia O. Lisker (illus.)
Nicky has freckles -- they cover his face, his ears, and the whole back of his neck. Once, sitting behind him in class, Andrew counted 86 of them, and that was just a start! If Andrew had freckles like Nicky, his mother would never know if his neck was dirty. One day after school, Andrew works up enough courage to ask Nicky where he got his freckles. And, as luck would have it, who should overhear him but giggling, teasing Sharon. She offers Andrew her secret freckle juice recipe -- for 50 cents. That's a lot of money, but Andrew is desperate. At home he carefully mixes the strange combination of ingredients. Then the unexpected happens. ...

by Laura Joffe Numeroff, Felicia Bond (illus.)
What happens if you give a mouse a cookie? Why, he'll need a glass of milk to go with it! He'll also need a straw, a napkin, a mirror -- each item prompts the need for another. When the mouse is hanging a picture from a refrigerator (how did he get there?), he's reminded that he's thirsty and needs a glass of milk (uh-oh). With this milk, it's absolutely necessary to have a cookie, of course! Bond's wonderful illustrations enliven this modern-day classic.

by Paul Showers
We're going on a Listening Walk. Shhhhh. Do not talk. Do not hurry. Get ready to fill your ears with a world of wonderful, surprising sounds. In this colorfully illustrated book a little girl and her father take a quiet walk and identify the sounds around them. This beautiful lesson in appreciating the extraordinary qualities found in the rhythm of everyday life entices readers to pay more attention to the world surrounding them.

by Watty Piper, George Hauman (illus.), Doris Hauman (illus.)
When the other engines refuse, the Little Blue Engine tries to pull a stranded train full of toys and good food over the mountain. This classic never loses its appeal or fails to teach its lesson.

by Robert McCloskey
This Caldecott Award-winning classic about Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their brood of ducklings has been a favorite since 1941. When Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings are stuck at a busy street in downtown Boston, their policeman friend Michael rushes in to stop traffic and make way for them. McCloskey's sepia illustrations are priceless, and a statue of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings can be found in the Boston Common today.

by Peggy Parish, Wallace Tripp (illus.)
Amelia Bedelia, who knows very little about baseball, stands in for a sick player during a game. The result, as usual with literal-minded Amelia Bedelia, is hilarious.

by Audrey Wood, Don Wood (illus.)
A joyful celebration of a child's growing self-awareness. This classic children's book is a teacher's favorite, with outstanding illustrations by Don Wood.

by Theodore LeSieg (Dr. Seuss), Roy McKie (illus.)
A lion, a dog, and a tiger are having a contest -- can they get ten apples piled up on top of their heads? You better believe it! This first counting book works as a teaching tool as well as a funny story.

by Mercer Mayer
This sequel to brings back that story's imaginative young hero for an even funnier nighttime adventure. All kids will identify with the realistic alligator who just happens to live you know where.

by Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (illus.)
In this highly acclaimed version, Alexander T. Wolf tells his never-before-heard version of the story. Is he the bad guy history has portrayed him as, or was the big, bad wolf framed? This outrageously funny version of a familiar nursery tale will leave readers grinning all the way to their chinny chin chin.

Return to Education World's K-8 Summer Reading List page.

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This summer, send your first grade and second grade students off on new adventures with epic summer reading books. Help your students sharpen their reading skills and find new stories to love during summer break — and keep them engaged in learning as they transition to the next grade.

The summer slide, a regression in academic proficiency during the summer months, often impacts younger learners because they’re at a crucial stage in their development. The good news is that there are many ways to keep students learning — and having fun! — during the off-season.

Setting up your students for summer reading will motivate them to read for pleasure while their favorite stories will keep them coming back for more. Let the latest titles in popular series, such as Owl Diaries and Who Would Win , and beloved classics like Junie B. Jones kick off a summer reading adventure that will get your students well on their way to becoming lifelong readers.

Shop summer reading books for grades 1 to 2 below! You can find all books and activities at The Teacher Store .

Addition (Basic)

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When the school year is winding down, try these activities with your students.

Celebrate the 4th of July with these patriotic printable worksheets.

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First Grade Summer Reading List (Books for Ages 6-7)

Take a class of first graders and you will find a wide spread of reading abilities and reading levels. This 1st grade summer reading list of books takes that into consideration! Find easy reader books for beginning readers, as well as very easy chapter books for those ready to read books with more text and ( slightly ) fewer illustrations.

Collage of 1st grade summer reading books

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn from qualifying purchases.)

Kids become readers when they are allowed to choose the right book that speaks to their interests. Therefore, this summer reading list includes funny books, superheroes, animal stories, nonfiction, sports tales and more. Once you head to the library to search for these books for emerging readers you'll find lots more. Be sure to grab the printable list at the bottom of the post!

Since 6-7 year olds (first grade) read at different levels these summer reading lists will also be helpful:

Kindergarten summer reading list
2nd grade summer reading list
Summer reading for 7-9 year olds

Easy readers, very easy beginning chapter books.

Fox the Tiger (series) by Corey R. Tabor

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This is a giggle-inducing story about a mischievous fox who admires tigers so much he wants to be one. After all, tigers are big, fast, sneaky and "the best." So what does he do? Why he gives himself stripes, of course! Your kids will love the whole Fox series.

Good Night Owl or anything by Greg Pizzoli

This is a very cute book about an owl who wants to get to bed, but can't because of noises in the night. I love all of Pizzoli's early readers, and they even make fun and simple read alouds, which is not an easy feat for easy reader book!

MORE: Hilarious easy reader books

What Is Chasing Duck? (The Giggle Gang series) by Jan Thomas

I was so excited to learn that my favorite story time author has a funny early readers series! If you have never read a Jan Thomas book, you are in for a real treat and if your child is still reluctant, pick up one of her picture books to read aloud. Your child will laugh so hard he or she will want to make sure not to miss the giggles in the early reader books, too.

Big Cat 1st grade summer reading book cover

Big Cat , or anything by Ethan Long

I had a hard time singling out one title by Long. He has several in the "I Like to Read" series, and they are all funny early readers. They are all truly easy to read, too! Getting kids who may not want to read, but are at the stage where reading ability is starting to emerge are helped along by humor and this book stands out.

Don't Throw It to Mo! (series) by David A. Adler, illustrated by Sam Ricks

I found this series charming. Mo loves sports but he's not necessarily the most talented kid on the team. It doesn't matter, though. His perseverance pulls him through. Both boys and girls will see themselves in Mo, even if their passions lie in a non-sporty direction.

Want to Play? (Confetti Kids series) by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez

1st grade summer reading lists usually contain well-known classics like Henry and Mudge , Frog and Toad and Little Bear . I think Confetti Kids is the new classic easy reader series! This great collection of beginning readers depicts a diverse group of neighborhood kids engaging in everyday experiences. In Want to Play? the children head out to the park for a day of fun.

MORE: Easy reader books with diverse characters

A Trip to the Bottom of the World book cover

A Trip to the Bottom of the World (series) by Frank Viva

Viva's own experience traveling to the Antarctic inspired the story of a mouse and his owner. Dialogue is told in comic bubbles, with the mouse repeating the familiar refrain, "Can we go home now?" You really can't go wrong with any of the TOON books. They are labelled with different reading and interest levels. If graphic novels motivate your beginning reader, you will do well to bring home stacks of TOON books for your child. I've never read one I didn't like. See all their level one books here .

Bunjitsu Bunny book cover showing bunny in karate uniform kicking

Bunjitsu Bunny (series) by John Himmelman

Find it Amazon | Bookshop

Bunjitsu Bunny one of my favorite easy chapter book series! Each book is composed of short vignettes about Isabel and her friends who all study martial arts. The clever and funny stories convey a zen-like lesson without being at all preachy. My then-6 year old was very into the idea of battles and fighting so he of course loved reading a book in which the first action sequence involved the possibility of one character head-butting a door ( they don't actually get that far... ). I, however, was delighted with the "sneaky" lessons in non-violence, friendship, compassion and self-discipline!

Mia Mayhem (series) by Kara West, illustrated by Leeza Hernandez

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This is an easy chapter book series with large text and lots of illustrations. Mia is an 8-year-old girl who finds out she is a superhero when she receives an invitation to attend an after school Program for In-Training Superheroes. Now she must figure out a way to be both a regular girl AND a secret superhero.

MORE: Superhero easy chapter books

Kondo and Kezumi Visit Giant Island book cover

Kondo & Kezumi Visit Great Island (series) by David Goodner, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

The colorful illustrations in this series will appeal to reluctant readers. Kondo and Kezumi are great friends who spend their days frolicking and looking for berries. One day a message with a map in a bottle washes up on shore and the pair build a boat and set out to see the islands on the map. After visiting Dairy Isle and Fireskull Island, they land on Giant Island where they meet Albert, an anthropomorphized mountain who is so delighted to have some company he doesn't want them to leave. Not to worry, it all ends happily.

MORE: Graphic Novels for Beginning Readers

Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot! (series) by Cece Bell

When first graders needs a little summer reading motivation, give them a book that will send them into fits of giggles. The rule-following Chick and the not-so-smart Brain work out a misunderstanding about the proper protocol of offering your foot for a sniff. It's a lesson that is sure to come in handy many times during one's lifetime.

Fox and Chick: The Party and Other Stories (series) by Sergio Ruzzier

I adore this series about two friends who sometimes annoy each other, but ultimately remember the things that make them friends. I've always loved Ruzzier's illustrations and dry humor ( after all, he wrote one of my all time favorite books EVER, Amandina ) and the comic strip format makes it fun to read. A real winner of a book.

National Geographic Kids series, by various authors

Find them: Bookshop | Amazon

Kids are naturally curious about all sorts of topics and love learning obscure facts which they can use to dazzle others. National Geographic publishes books on a wide array of topics and in a number of different reading levels, so it should be easy to find a book that will interest your child.

Giggle and Learn series by Kevin McCloskey

The graphic novel format in this five book series brings to life facts and stories about underrated animals. Snails, worms, pigeons, fish and ants all have their day. True to the moniker, "Giggle and Learn," each TOON book holds lots of humor as well as science.

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe

The book follows seven children from different countries: Italy, Japan, Uganda, Russia, India, Peru and Iran. Each child describes their home, school, family, food and daily life. This is a great starting point for conversations about the differences and similarities between life in different countries, but also how children in the same country don't all live the same way. At the end, photographs reveal the actual families depicted in in the book. I love the large size of the book, and how the illustrations invite a lengthly perusal.

Reader Interactions

Danielle says

May 08, 2019 at 2:17 pm

Thank you for all of your lists. We are big library users and I'm constantly looking for more books to put on hold for my boys. I usually pick at least one from your lists every time I need ideas.

Rachael says

May 12, 2019 at 12:12 am

I just checked out all of these books. Thank you!

Ruby Zhang says

June 09, 2019 at 5:23 am

Love this book list. My son will be a first grader in this September. These books will help him make some preparations for his first-grade learning.

June 11, 2019 at 10:36 am

Happy reading!

Get Ready for First Grade Weekly Summer Homework

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June 8, 2016 CL Teaching Strategies Notice & Note , CL Seasonal Activities Summer , ELA K-5 , ELA Focus - Reading , ELA Seasonal - Summer , Core Literacy

1st grade summer reading list, by: erin lynch.

While it may be tempting to spend the summer at the beach or by the pool, it's important that emerging readers practice their reading skills over the summer. Picking a few books from a 1st grade summer reading list can help kids keep their reading skills in tip-top shape.

Below are a list of books you may want to order online, download onto a mobile device, or check out from the local library. These books range from easy to more difficult. If your emerging reader finds one particular book on the list challenging to read alone, read it aloud together!

1st Grade Summer Reading List Recommendations

Amos & boris by william steig.

Amos the mouse and Boris the whale: a devoted pair of friends with nothing at all in common, except good hearts and a willingness to help their fellow mammal. They meet after Amos sets out to sail the sea and finds himself in extreme need of rescue. And there will come a day, long after Boris has gone back to a life at sea and Amos has gone back to life on dry land, when the tiny mouse must find a way to rescue the great whale. Amos & Boris is a 1971 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Notable Children's Book of the Year, and Outstanding Book of the Year.

Scraminals by Jack Prelutsky

1st-Grade-Summer-Reading-List-Scranimals

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool, Alison Jay

One small boy has a special gift—he can weave cloth from the clouds: gold in the early morning with the rising sun, white in the afternoon, and crimson in the evening. He spins just enough cloth for a warm scarf. But when the king sees the boy's magnificent cloth, he demands cloaks and gowns galore. "It would not be wise," the boy protests. "Your majesty does not need them!" But spin he must—and soon the world around him begins to change. From author Michael Catchpool and illustrator Alison Jay comes a magical tale about the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and the wisdom and courage needed to protect it.

Swimmy by Leo Lionni

Deep in the sea there lives a happy school of little fish. Their watery world is full of wonders, but there is also danger, and the little fish are afraid to come out of hiding . . . until Swimmy comes along. Swimmy shows his friends how—with ingenuity and team work—they can overcome any danger. With its graceful text and stunning artwork, this Caldecott Honor Book deserves a place on every child’s shelf.

Under Alaska's Midnight Sun by Deb Vanasse

In the far northern parts of the world, near and above the Arctic Circle, summer days are very long. In Barrow, Alaska, for example, the sun rises in May and sets 83 days later, in early August. During this time, the sun shines all through the night. People call it the midnight sun. When the midnight sun is shining, people and animals stay active even at night. This sweet poetic narrative , illustrated by award-winner Jeremiah Trammell, showcases the many pleasures of this unique time as a little girl dances, fishes, plays games, watches moose and fox, and communes with family and nature.

Franklin and the Thunderstorm by Paulette Bourgeois

In this Franklin Classic Storybook , Franklin is afraid of thunderstorms. When a storm approaches while he is playing at Fox's house, a flash of lightning sends Franklin into his shell. He refuses to come out -- even for snacks -- until his friends make him laugh with their tall tales about what causes storms. And when Beaver explains what really causes thunder and lightning, Franklin begins to feel much safer.

The Night Before Summer Vacation by Natasha Wing

A little girl and her family are getting ready to go on vacation—or at least, they're trying to! In the rush to pack everything they'll need, they're bound to overlook something…and the very thing they forget provides a funny ending to this meter-perfect twist on "The Night Before Christmas." This book makes the perfect read aloud and is a great way to introduce kids to rhyming.

A World of Wonders: Geographic Travels in Verse and Rhyme by J. Patrick Lewis

Could anyone somersault across the San Andreas fault? Why was Hawaii named after a Sandwich? Of longitude and latitude, which has more "flatitude"? You'll travel the globe (and some of the sky) discovering answers to these and other questions you never knew to ask! There are all sorts of amazing things to know about thousands of "spaces and places to be" within the fantastical world of GE-OG-RA-PHY. Dive in, come aboard, zip along, take it slow-traveling by book is a great way to go!

Fancy Nancy Series: Sand Castles and Sand Palaces by Jane O’Connor

Mom takes Fancy Nancy, JoJo, Bree, Freddy, and Frenchy to the beach! They spend the whole day building the most magnificent sand palace imaginable, but when the tide comes in, what will happen to their beautiful creation? Join Nancy as she discovers that the beach is full of spectacular surprises. Comes complete with a fabulous set of st ickers! Fans of Fancy Nancy will delight in Nancy's sparkling creativity and imagination.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart Series by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

In The Escape of the Deadly Dinosaur , Jack zooms to the city that never sleeps to try to solve the mystery of the missing Allosaurus toe. Starting at the Natural History Museum, Jack's detection takes him to a competitive grade-schooler determined to win the science fair with his experiment crossing his own dog with the DNA from the bone of a dangerous, carnivorous dinosaur. Soon the gargantuan creature is terrorizing New Yorkers and Jack must stop him before he devours the animals in the Central Park zoo!

Now that you have your 1st grade summer reading list recommendations, download a printable Summer Reading Strategies Bookmark for kids. This reading strategies bookmark encourages students to pause every once in a while during their reading, to ask questions, and reflect on the text.