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This summer, K and I have been doing a fun reading activity that I’d love to share with you in case you want to add it to your homeschool or your family!

The last time we went to the library, K was just over 3 years old and loved it! But unfortunately, when it was time to leave she had a major tantrum and I had to carry her out.

I hear you out there. “Kristen… you said she’s 3? When don’t 3 year olds have tantrums? If she wants a pink crayon and you hand her light pink instead of magenta, she’ll have a tantrum.”

I know, I know. Three year olds have tantrums BUT I don’t want to specifically enter into a situation that I know will inevitably end in a tantrum, so I chose to wait until she was a bit older to go back. So we waited… and waited… and finally went back 7 months later in May. This time was so much better!

Reading the Alphabet Challenge

While K was playing with the toys, I came up with an idea. This summer, we were going to Read the Alphabet – our very own summer reading challenge for kids! The goal was to read a book starting with each consecutive letter of the alphabet. Then use a book tracker to keep track of each book as you go!

A few variations you could use:

• Read books starting with each consecutive letter of the alphabet (like us!)
• Read books in which the authors’ last names start with each consecutive letter of the alphabet
• Write out the alphabet, randomly choose books, and mark off each letter as it’s completed (by title or author)
• Choose a color for the books you want to read, like pink (or magenta!), and then follow one of the above ideas
• Choose BIPOC authors, women authors, authors that live in your state, books about animals, nonfiction books…

As I’m sure you noticed, I didn’t add a trademark to the idea. I know it’s super unlikely that I was the first person to think up this concept and I know that I won’t be the last. Reading the Alphabet is a simple idea with endless possibilities for children AND for adults!

Yes, I literally just realized that this is a great summer reading challenge for adults too and that I’m going to have to read the alphabet for myself in addition to reading books to her. 🤣

Here are our first 5 books within this challenge (I picked the first book I found that started with each letter since K is so small, but older kids can help pick out their own books), along with a couple of bonus books we got that day:

• 📖 Ali and the Sea Stars – Ali Stroker
• 📖 The Bad Mood and the Stick – Lemony Snicket
• 📖 Click, Clack, Boo! – Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
• 📖 Duck Duck Moose – Mary Sullivan
• 📖 Emeraldalicious – Victoria Kann
• 📖 Moana and Pua – Melissa Lagonegro
• 📖 Camels – Lyn A. Sirota

By the way – when we left the library, I prepped K with how much time until we were leaving, with reminders so she wouldn’t be surprised when it was time to go. She did fantastic! She put away each of the toys and was perfectly calm as we left. No tantrum to see here!

As a special gift, I’ve made a Reading the Alphabet Challenge tracker and certificate of completion!

Thanks for joining us today In Our Homeschool.