Read Across America Activities & Crafts: Fun Ideas for Kids
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These Read Across America activities and crafts are amazing ways to celebrate this special time with your kids.
You'll find a variety of fun ideas for enjoying easy activities and crafts with themes on reading and Dr. Seuss (for his birthday, March 2). And it's a wonderful time to share your favorite books and love of reading.
Get ready for a spectacular celebration of learning fun for Read Across America and more!
Easily Make Your Read Across America Celebration Special
Need some simple and fun ways to take your Read Across America festivities to the next level?
Or maybe you'd just like some easy ways to boost reading and creativity for kids?
I'm preparing for another homeschool Read Across America celebration (based on the birthday of Dr. Seuss). My boys and I have had tons of fun over the years with so many activities and crafts to make the most of this special time. So, I want to find new and creative ways to keep the learning fun going!
Our Read Across America fun is usually focused Dr. Seuss books and characters. This year, we're broadening our activities to include more reading themes. It's going to be a blast!
Smart Ideas for Enjoying These Read Across America Activities
Want to join us on all of this Read Across America fun? AWESOME!
I have a few tips and ideas for helping you rock this celebration with your students.
⭐️ First, I think it's super important to have a plan. Read Across America Week starts on March 2nd and lasts through March 6 (for 2024).
⭐️ Map out what you'd like your theme(s) to be. Do you want to stick with a Dr. Seuss theme throughout that time? Or would you like to go with NEA (National Education Association) March theme of Celebrate Diversity? Perhaps you'd enjoy picking themes based on your kids' interests? Go with what feels best for you and your students!
A great way to choose your themes is to chat with your kids. Invite students to talk and ask:
- What are their favorite children's books?
- Who is their favorite book character?
- Do they have favorite picture books?
- What are your favorite ways to make reading fun?
- Do you have a new book to share?
- What are your top 3 book recommendations for family and friends?
- What are some wacky activities (like dress-up days) that we can try as part of NEA's Read Across America Week?
- How can we extend the joy of reading throughout the month of March? Throughout the year?
- What are your creative Read Across America ideas?
- Do you have different ways of picking great books to enjoy?
⭐️ Select which resources you'll need. Do you have the books that you'll be enjoying? If not, pop over to the library (or your school library) and see if you can find. You can also order from Amazon, Thriftbooks, or other online book retailer.
⭐️ Decide what extras you'll have. For example, will you be working on crafts, playing games, or enjoying hands-on activities? Will you include snacks and treats as part of your celebration? Are decorations and cool accessories going to help you boost the fun?
⭐️ K. I. S. S. (Keep It Simple Sweetie) Less can be more. Give yourself plenty of time and flexibility to enjoy what you pick out.
Another ideas is to take a poll and see what the most popular books are. You can ask community members, school staff, family, and friends, too.
Resources to Boost the Fun with These Activities
If you're really interested in taking your Read Across America event to the next level, you'll want at least a few extras.
You don't have to spend a lot (or anything!). Consider what supplies you have around your home or classroom and how you can creatively use them.
Here are a few resources that my boys and I like (or have on our wishlist) for Read Across America fun:
Motivational Reading Reward Stickers for Teachers, Sticker Roll (1000 Pieces)Scented Bookmarks Kids Scratch and Sniff Bookmarks Fruit Food Theme Bookmarks Sayings Bookmarks Assorted Scented Bookmarks Cute Bookmarks for Kids, Students, Teens, Food Lovers, 10 Styles (60 Pieces)Elope Dr. Seuss Cat in The Hat Costume Ears Headband with Stovepipe Hat Standard Red2024 Celebrate Read Across America Day Classroom Pack for 25 Students: Five Items per Student- 2 Brags Tags w/ 4 in. Chain, Bookmark w/Tassel, & & Rubbery 3D Brag Stick.Raymond Geddes Reading Rocks Wooden Pencils (Pack of 72)Teacher Created Resources I Love to Read Wristbands (6566)Raymond Geddes Dr Seuss Number 2 Pencils For Kids 72 Count (Pack of 1)
Remarkable Read Across America Activities and Crafts
Let's get ready to rock Read Across America time! These activities and crafts are going to be big hits with your students and you.
⭐️ You can find ALL of our free printables and resources for Dr. Seuss fun HERE.
I'll highlight a few plus share some incredible ideas from friends 😊
Reading Tracker Fun for Kids with Free Printable Punchcards
Motivate your kids to read with this creative approach to reading tracker fun!
These free printable punchcards are awesome ways to encourage your kids to become avid readers.
2 Free Dr. Seuss-Inspired Cootie Catchers for Fun Activities
If you’re looking for a new way to have learning fun with Dr. Seuss, you’ll love our 2 free Dr. Seuss-Inspired Cootie Catchers! These printable activities feature favorite Dr. Seuss characters that will get you and your kids up and moving.
Free Dr. Seuss-Inspired Activity Cube for Easy Fun with Kids
Enjoy easy fun with kids using this free printable Dr. Seuss-Inspired Activity Cube. Inspire your kids to get up and move with this awesome activity full of Dr. Seuss fun for parties, library, classroom, homeschool, and family fun. And it’s perfect for celebrating Dr. Seuss Day (and Read Across America Week), too!
Free Growth Mindset Coloring Bookmarks for Kids
Growth mindset coloring bookmarks are excellent ways to helps your kids practice and use these positive life skills. Take a closer look at these coloring bookmarks for kids and discover creative ways to use these free printables for growth mindset activities.
Boost Reading Fun with These 3 Free Lorax Bookmarks
These free Lorax bookmarks will easily help you boost reading fun for kids. With powerful quotes from this popular Dr. Seuss book, your kids will love having these special bookmarks to celebrate Read Across America Week, Earth Day, and more.
Reading Scavenger Hunt: Free Printable to Make It Fun for Kids
This reading scavenger hunt is a remarkable way to boost learning fun and more. Your kids will have a blast as they enjoy the variety of topics and suggestions on this free printable activity.
Hot Air Balloon Craft Ideas for Kids
These hot air balloon craft ideas for kids are fantastic and frugal ways to enjoy hands-on fun activities. You’ll have a blast with these super cute craft projects that feature hot air balloons.
These crafts are perfect for extending the fun with Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss-Inspired Bingo Game Your Kids Will Love (Free)
Enjoy easy fun with kids using this free printable Dr. Seuss-Inspired Bingo Game.
These activities are awesome ways to boost classroom, library, parties, homeschool, and family fun. Perfect for Read Across America Week and more!
Horton Hears a Who Craft
Combine the timeless charm of Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who with the joy of crafting by creating a paper plate and cup craft.
Kids will love making this adorable Horton!
Dr Seuss Cat in the Hat Craft
Prepare to make a statement with this Dr. Seuss-inspired Solo Cup hat craft.
Get ready to rock the Cat in the Hat hat and show your love for reading on Read Across America Day.
Pete The Cat Headband Craft
Calling all cool cats! Channel your inner Pete the Cat with this super fun and easy headband craft.
Get your free template to get started and enjoy with your kids.
Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft
Inspired by the enchanting story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, this Read Across America craft will have your little ones buzzing with joy as they create colorful caterpillars.
Turn trash into treasure by using an old egg carton.
Butterfly Bookmark Corner
Flutter into the world of books with a butterfly bookmark. Perfect for Read Across America Day, this easy-to-make bookmark will add a touch of whimsy to the corner of your favorite book.
Hermit Crab Bookish Play
Bring the book “A House for Hermit Crab” to life with this bookish play idea. Create props inspired by the book and kids can act out the different scenes.
Hungry Caterpillar Craft (Free)
Make reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar an interactive adventure with this Read Across America craft. With the option to learn numbers, name colors, or practice the days of the week, this craft is fun and educational.
DIY Cardboard Puppet Theater
Prepare to be amazed by this recycled DIY cardboard puppet theater that will bring your child’s imagination to life. This exciting Read Across America project is not only easy for kids to recreate but also serves as a great source of inspiration. And to make it even more special, the elements and puppets are inspired by the renowned author and illustrator, Celestino Piatti.
Brown Bear Paper Bag Craft
Discover the perfect craft companion for your child’s reading adventure with this brown bear paper bag craft. This craft is not only easy to make but also promises endless fun.
Kissing Hand Crafts
Explore the magical world of Kissing Hands through three craft ideas. From a stand-up clothespin craft to a handprint card and a wiggly raccoon, these crafts will create cherished keepsakes adorned with their own handprint.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Pencil Craft
Looking for a fun and budget-friendly craft for Read Across America Day? Transform ordinary pencils into the mischievous Thing 1 and Thing 2 from "The Cat in the Hat." With supplies easily found at your local dollar store, this whimsical project is the perfect way to celebrate reading.
My Favorite Book Template
Read Across America Day is a great opportunity to start a conversation with your child about their favorite books. This printable template is the perfect tool to delve into the world of books together, encouraging young minds to explore the author and title of their beloved stories.
Little Red Riding Hood Finger Puppets
These printable Little Red Riding Hood finger puppets are the perfect tool for imaginative play and storytelling. Whether they're reenacting the classic story or inventing their own, your kids will be captivated by the endless possibilities.
Read Across America Activities and Crafts for the WIN!
Oh my stars! Aren't these Read Across America activities and crafts absolutely wonderful? I can't wait to enjoy them with my boys.
Celebrate reading with these Read Across America crafts and activities. Encourage your child's love for reading with these fun and educational activities.
Whether it's creating a bookmark, making a character puppet, or playing a book-themed game, these Read Across America crafts will spark their imagination and make reading even more enjoyable.
Do you have any ideas for activities and crafts to add to this list for Read Across America fun? If so, please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post!
