Planning a summer storytime
Summer is a good time for relaxed, playful storytimes because routines are looser and outdoor space is easier to use. Whether you run a library program, a classroom session or a backyard story circle with a few children, a simple plan helps:
- Pick a theme children can relate to.
- Choose two or three books: a main story, a shorter or more interactive one, and an optional nonfiction title.
- Add songs or movement between stories.
- Plan a simple activity to extend the theme.
- Think through safety: shade, water, snacks and allergies.
Sample session structure
A session for ages 2 to 5 might last 20 to 30 minutes:
- Welcome song or rhyme (2 to 3 minutes) to gather the group.
- First story (5 to 7 minutes).
- Movement break (3 to 5 minutes) with an action song.
- Second story (5 to 7 minutes).
- Quiet rhyme or goodbye song (2 to 3 minutes).
- Craft or play activity (optional, 10 minutes).
Keep it flexible. If children are restless, move on to the next part. For more on keeping children engaged, see why storytime matters for preschoolers.
Summer themes with book ideas
Beach and ocean. Try Beach by Elisha Cooper, Duck and Goose Go to the Beach by Tad Hills or Sea, Sand, Me! by Patricia Hubbell. More options are in our list of ocean themed books for preschoolers.
Bugs and gardens. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a classic for butterflies. Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole works for garden themes.
Camping and outdoors. A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen is a rhyming story about a camping trip. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen is a movement-friendly adventure.
Picnics and berries. Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey follows a child and a bear cub picking berries on a hill.
Ducks and ponds. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey has an outdoor setting that suits warm days.
Boats and water. Mr. Gumpy’s Outing by John Burningham is a gentle boat-trip story with animals.
For more favorites that work in any season, see our guide to preschool picture books.
Songs, rhymes and movement
Well-known traditional songs are easy to use because most children and adults already know them:
- The Itsy Bitsy Spider for rain and sunshine.
- Five Little Ducks for counting.
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat for rocking and water themes.
- Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes for body movement.
- If You’re Happy and You Know It for actions and feelings.
Add a “freeze dance” by playing music and stopping it. Use scarves or paper streamers for movement, and keep them away from necks and faces for young children. A quiet closing rhyme, such as a slow, soft fingerplay, helps settle the group.
Simple crafts and activities
- Paper plate sun or fish. Decorate with crayons and paper pieces. Use large pieces for younger children.
- Handprint flowers. Trace hands to make petals.
- Bubble play. Blow bubbles outdoors while singing. Keep bubble solution away from mouths and eyes.
- Sensory bins. Fill with dry sand, large toy shells or scoops. Avoid small items for children who mouth objects.
- Ice cream counting. Use paper cones and colored circles for scoops.
- Retell with felt pieces on a flannel board.
- Alphabet play. Pair a story with alphabet summer activities, or plan a longer program with kindergarten summer camp ideas.
Outdoor and at-home storytime
Outdoors, choose a shaded spot and bring a blanket. Check the ground for sharp objects, ant nests or hot surfaces. At home, a small tent or blanket fort can make reading special. A bag of books ready by the door makes it easy to read at the park or on a trip. If you are pulling together an at-home series, mixing in a library visit each week gives a range of titles.
Safety: sun, heat, water and food
- Sun. Use shade, hats and sun protection suited to the children’s ages, and follow guidance from your pediatrician, especially for babies.
- Heat. Offer water and breaks. Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a moment.
- Water play. Constantly supervise any child near water, including buckets and wading pools. Small amounts of water are enough to be dangerous.
- Choking hazards. Snacks such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn and hard candy can be choking hazards for young children. Cut grapes lengthwise, and check age guidance from your pediatrician.
- Allergies. Ask about food and environmental allergies before sharing snacks or using food in activities.
- Bugs and plants. Watch for stings and unfamiliar plants, and teach children not to eat plants or berries without an adult.
- Small parts. Keep crayon bits, beads, shells and craft items away from babies and toddlers.
Frequently asked questions
What age is summer storytime for? It can be adapted for babies through early school age. Keep stories short for babies and toddlers.
How can I make storytime more interactive? Use repeating lines, puppets, movement and questions. Short sessions with songs keep everyone involved.
How do I plan for mixed ages? Choose a main book that works for the youngest children and add a challenge or craft for older ones. Kindergartners might enjoy follow-up activities like those in our guide to reading group activities for kindergarten.