Read & Draw Picnic – Comprehension Activity

I love lazy summer days and trying to have a few before we all head back to school. This is such a simple reading comprehension activity and can be done with kids of any age. There is something awesome about reading outside, I love grabbing a blanket and some books and reading with my kids under a huge blue sky. This art activity takes that simple idea one step further by adding on an artistic retelling activity. I have been working hard to get my son to draw and write more this summer and drawing with his younger sister helps boost his confidence , lets him show her how to do things, and it’s made such a difference. Also his strength in retelling helps balance his lack of confidence in the drawing.

1. Gather your materials. You will need a book , some clip boards, a blanket and your art materials. We used paper ,watercolor colored pencils, water , paint brushes, and some water.
2. Start by finding the right spot. We found some shade in our yard and spread out the blanket.
3. Pass out the clip boards and art material.
4. Start reading. As you read encourage your kids to draw what is happening in the story or something that sticks out for them from the book. Their favorite part, the saddest or happiest part … they can or you can choose.
5. Make sure to have extra paper on hand my son made 3.
6. After they are done with their art work as them about it. Instead of saying ‘ What is that?’ which could make them question their artistic ability as well as gibe a much shorter answer say “Tell me about your picture.” I have found that when we do activities like this both my kids end up retelling the whole story naturally which is an important part of early literacy development. It builds comprehension and because it happens very organically no one feels like they are being quizzed on a lazy summer day. If they don’t retell the story on their own try asking :

• Where  did the story take place?
• Who was the story about?
• What happened to them in the story? What happened next?
• How did it end?

Try having your child retell stories from time to time and if they struggle do it more often. If they are really not understanding what is going on try simpler books and  try asking these questions throughout the reading not only after finishing the book.

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All of these books have story lines that are clear and younger children can successfully retell the major events while older children could use them and retell in greater detail. These links are affiliate links.

•  The Three Bears by Byron Barton
• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Freight Train by Donald Crews
• Ordinary Amos and the Amazing Fish by Eugenie and Henry Fernandes
• The Little Red Hen by Lucinda McQueen
• The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
• Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
• Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems