
Whether or not you’re crawling to the end line of the college 12 months or already planning your summer time remedy classes, I’ve bought two summer-themed books that may critically degree up your classes. To me, summer time means sunshine, pool days, BBQs, longer evenings, ice cream (plenty of it), and extra time with household and pals. These books seize all the very best components of summer time and are good for sparking dialog, creativeness, and language progress in your college students.

If you happen to haven’t learn Plantzilla but, you’re in for a deal with. This quirky story is about Mortimer, a former third grader who turns into obsessed with the category plant. He even begs his trainer to let him take it residence for the summer time. Spoiler: Plantzilla isn’t any abnormal plant. Issues get bizarre—and humorous—actual quick. Mortimer’s dad and mom aren’t fairly positive what to make of the scenario both.
There’s additionally a follow-up guide known as Plantzilla Goes to Camp, and it’s simply as entertaining!
? Exercise Concept: Letter Writing with a Twist
This guide is instructed by means of a sequence of letters between Mortimer, his dad and mom, and his trainer. That format is ideal for turning your session right into a inventive writing exercise!
Letter writing can really feel massive and scary for college students with expressive or receptive language difficulties, so break it down step-by-step:
- Pre-teach vocabulary and ideas—like what vegetation must survive, or what makes a letter work. I like utilizing fast movies like this one or this one to construct some background data.
- Then, stroll by means of the components of a letter: tackle, greeting, physique/message, closing, and envelope. Make it visible. Act it out. Discuss what occurs when components go lacking—like if there’s no tackle, how does the letter get delivered?
- Bonus: You may pair this with some plant-themed crafts and even develop your individual little class Plantzilla!
Abilities focused:
- Sequencing
- Asking/answering WH-questions
- Inferencing
- Drawback-solving
- Written expression

This one is a favourite of mine for therefore many causes. Jabari has handed his swim classes, however he’s nonetheless not prepared to leap off the diving board. Sound acquainted? This story is all about dealing with your fears and studying to be sort and affected person—with your self and others. It’s a fantastic convo starter, particularly for teenagers coping with anxiousness or transitions (hellooo, summer time!).
? Exercise Concept: Seaside Bag Sorting Sport
Right here’s an excellent enjoyable and versatile exercise that works for articulation and language targets.
Seize a small paper bag (or minimize out a seashore bag from building paper) and inform your college students they’re going to the seashore or pool. Then, allow them to “pack” it:
- For articulation college students: Put small objects or footage that focus on their sounds right into a field. Have them pull them out one after the other and resolve if it belongs within the seashore bag or not.
- For language college students: Use mini objects or playing cards to spark discussions. What belongs? What doesn’t? Why? You may simply hit WH-questions, classes, inferencing, and even examine/distinction.
My college students all the time crack up on the random stuff they “by chance” pack (like a winter boot or a spatula). It makes for some superior spontaneous language alternatives.
Abilities focused:
- WH-questions
- Inferencing
- Drawback-solving
- Categorization
- Articulation carryover
? Summer time is for studying!
These two books—Plantzilla and Jabari Jumps—are summer time session staples for me. They convey out tons of pure language and are tremendous adaptable it doesn’t matter what targets you’re focusing on.
Want extra book-based exercise concepts or need the printable companion for Jabari Jumps? Let me know within the feedback or shoot me a message—I’ve bought hundreds to share!

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