July reading activities
July 4 is Independence Day
The Declaration of Independence was approved and signed on July 4, 1776. Hear it read aloud — or read it yourself — at The History Place.
More resources:
- Rediscover America @ Your Library is a campaign of the American Library Association to remind all Americans that free people need free libraries. Libraries are a great place to read about democracy, freedom, citizenship and community. They also help make those things possible. Spotlight how libraries play a role in civic participation with a scavenger hunt for the election, voting, and community resources available at your local library. The PBS Kids Democracy Project may inspire ideas for your scavenger hunt, as may your librarian.
- The National Archives offers more reading about the Declaration of Independence.
- The History Channel features biographies of the signers, as well as interpretations of our nation's founding document, the Declaration of Independence.
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July 15: Summer Learning Day
A $15,000 grant from the Staples Foundation for Learning will enable the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University to coordinate the first national Summer Learning Day on July 15. Go to their site to get more information and a resource kit that will help you organize a celebration of Summer Learning Day in your community.
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July 18: Celebrate Theo's Birthday!
No, it's not Theodor Geisel's (aka Dr. Seuss) birthday again so soon. But did you know that Theo, the lion librarian on PBS's Between the Lions, is actually named for Theodor Geisel? Visit PBS Kids online for stories, games and fun. Also, check out the reading resources that Between the Lions has shared with NEA's Read Across America.
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July Author Birthdays
Rediscover these authors for satisfying summer reading:
- Jean Craighead George (July 2), Newbery Award-winning author of My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, and over 100 books for children and young people. For more information, visit the official Craighead George web site.
- E. B. White (July 11), beloved author of the classics Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. Find out what E. B. White has to say about his stories at a web site hosted by HarperCollins Children's Books. The Internet School Library Media Center, hosted by James Madison University, offers a teacher resource file on E. B. White, including biographies, lesson plans and more.
- J. K. Rowling (July 31). The author of the Harry Potter juggernaut needs no introduction. Visit Scholastic's web site for information, author interviews and activities.
The Internet School Library Media Center, hosted by James Madison University, offers teacher resources on J. K. Rowling, including biographies, lesson plans, literary criticisms, and links galore.
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Don't close the books when the school doors close! Children frequently lose reading skills when they don't read during an extended vacation. Take a look at our reading lists to plan your child's summer reading:
Send comments to readacross@nea.org
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