Summer is Finally Here! Let’s Read Outside!

There is something wildly special about reading under the open sky! A cool breeze in your hair as you frantically race to hold down the fluttering pages creates a special kind of magic that can’t quite be bottled! Its almost like the story itself comes alive, whispering for you to keep reading. For me at least, outside stories somehow feel bigger, brighter, and just a bit more real!

And with summer finally showing its colors, I’ve been thinking about that a lot. Summer reading doesn’t have to happen indoors or at a perfectly organized staged area. For many kids, the BEST kind of reading happens under blue skies! Just think about it, the sun on their shoulders, a trail of ants nearby, and a cozy blanket beneath them assisting their departure into a whole new world. And truthfully? It does more for them than you might imagine!

Reading outdoors actually supports so many areas of development in really meaningful, sensory-rich ways. You see, nature engages the brain differently. When kids are outside, they’re often more alert and more relaxed at the same time (a magical combo if you ask me)! An outside space allows for movement, wiggling, and even acting out the stories as they go. It builds comprehension, attention, and a deep inner love of books because their whole body is now involved!

Being in nature has also been shown to reduce stress, increase focus, and encourage imaginative play. ALL of which are foundational for building strong literacy skills. When a child reads about a bunny and then spots one hopping nearby? That’s a real-life text-to-world connection! Or maybe their sitting on a blanket with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, feeling the grass tickle their toes. That right there is sensory input reinforcing their learning! Super cool right?!

But then there’s also the emotional piece. Outdoor reading often turns into a perfect place to connect with your child. Imagine, you’re sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, flipping pages, and pausing to discuss what they notice, feel, or wonder. These are the moments that stick with both you AND them! Its not about the reading logs or sticker charts at all, but more so the ones where they feel seen, heard, and loved!

So this week, I’m kicking off our Summer Reading Adventures with one simple invitation: take your stories outside!!! Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just a book-loving grown-up, I hope you’ll join me in finding the joy in open-air story time!

It doesn’t have to be fancy either! Some of my most magical reading moments have happened with nothing but a blanket, a couple of my favorite books, and a yummy snack box! So embrace the giggles between pages, the questions that come up, and the way the world seems to slow down just for you! Reading is supposed to be enjoyable not forced! So no matter where you read this week, I hope you let it be joyful and free.

Let your kids move! Let them read upside down, inside out, and with the wind blowing their hair into the pages. Let them FEEL how fun stories can be! That’s the true heart of it all, not just teaching kids how to read, but helping them fall in love with reading itself!

Here’s to blue skies, bare feet, and books that take us anywhere.

With love and lots of sunshine,
Miss Morgan

Need a few easy ways to try it? Find some ideas below!

1. Go for a picnic!!! Turn a simple afternoon into a story-filled adventure! Pack a cozy blanket, an assortment of your kiddos favorite books, and some easy-to-grab snacks like fruit slices, crackers, or mini sandwiches! Once you find the perfect spot, get to snuggling up with those stories!
2. Build a story fort!!! Use a beach umbrella, chairs and sheets, or even a pop-up tent! Anything to make reading feel more like an adventure! Include pillows, stuffed animals, and of course a stack of books! Allow your kiddos to bring their favorite plushy (reading buddy) and let them pretend they’re deep in a forest, a pirate ship, or a dragon’s lair! You can even try playing soft background sounds like birds chirping or waves crashing to really set the scene!
3. Create a nature nook!!! Scout out a shady tree or a soft grassy spot and turn it into a reading hideaway! Bring along a small basket filled with books, a pillow or cushion, and a few cozy items like a blanket or their favorite stuffed animal. Encourage kids to listen to the sounds around them like rustling leaves, birds, or wind! You can even add nature scavenger cards or a sketch pad so they can draw something from the book using real-world textures and inspiration! This is a perfect sensory experience that grounds reading in the sights, sounds, and feel of the world around them.

And if you’re looking for a fun way to get your kiddo reading this summer, I made a Book Bingo board to encourage outdoor reading all month long! You can download the free printable here: