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The sense of wonder that nature provides is exactly the curiosity you want your child to bring to a book.

Even if you are limited to exploring your backyard or the local park, there are many simple ways to spend enjoyable times reading and learning together in the great outdoors.

Go on a booknic

Make room in the picnic basket for books! Choose a theme (opens in a new window) around family food and reading preferences and pack accordingly. Try:

Flashlight reading

For younger kids with earlier bedtimes, the excitement of getting to go outside at night will make a bedtime story mighty memorable. Get your flashlight, blankets or a sleeping bag and enjoy a story about stars under the stars. Try:

Outdoor cooking

You can also pair your booknic and flashing reading with another element: outdoor cooking! With a fire pit or grill, treat your child to a little campfire cooking. Try:

What are you waiting for? It’s a beautiful day! Head outside with books and activate all your kids’ senses.

About the Author

Rachael Walker has more than 30 years of experience in bringing organizations together to promote children’s literacy, beginning her career at Reading Is Fundamental. Rachael leads content creation for NEA’s Read Across America program, serves on the Advisory Board of The National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance, and hosts the Book Life blog on Reading Rockets. She has created educator materials for Random House Children’s Books, Disney, Algonquin Young Readers, and other publishers to help boost student engagement with books. Rachael was a literacy advisor for the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn initiative and also served as the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read of Metro DC. 

Publication Date
July 5, 2017
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