Get ready for a fun adventure full of reading and learning!
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is taking families on a virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip! This summer, families, teachers, and early childhood partners are invited to join the journey and explore exciting ways to support young children’s love of reading and learning.
Along the way, you’ll discover cool facts about Pennsylvania’s rivers, lakes, and amazing wildlife. You’ll also find fun hands-on activities to do with your child, book suggestions to enjoy together, and helpful tips that match the PA Early Learning Standards.
Don’t forget to download the Travel Journal to keep track of the books you read and draw pictures of your favorite moments. Let’s hit the road and make learning fun—all summer long!
Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip Map
Use the map (available in English or Spanish) to find locations on the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip. Print the map and discover Pennsylvania waterways! Click here to print the map in English and Spanish.
More Activities!
Here are some fun and educational activities that pair well with OCDEL’s Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip for families with young children:
Nature Walk & Scavenger Hunt
- What to do: Take a walk in a local park, trail, or around your neighborhood.
- Learning connection: Look for birds, bugs, plants, or water features that connect to what you’re learning about Pennsylvania wildlife and rivers.
- Make it fun: Use a printable scavenger hunt list or make your own with your child.
- Book Pairing:
- We’re Going on a Nature Hunt by Steve Metzger
- The Listening Walk by Paul Showers
Storytime Picnic
- What to do: Pack a few favorite books, a blanket, and snacks.
- Learning connection: Read outdoors and talk about how the setting relates to what’s in the story.
- Printable Activity: Enhance your picnic with a story time activity and a picnic blanket weaving craft. These printables make reading sessions more interactive
- Book ideas: Choose titles about summer, animals, or Pennsylvania nature.
- Book Pairing:
- The Bears’ Picnic by Stan and Jan Berenstain
- Mouse’s First Summer by Lauren Thompson
Nature Art
- What to do: Collect leaves, sticks, or stones and create art together.
- Learning connection: Use your Travel Journal to draw what you see or make leaf rubbings.
- Printable Activity: Encourage creativity with a free printable nature journal filled with engaging prompts for drawing and writing about outdoor discoveries.
- Bonus: Encourage your child to “write” a short story or label their drawings.
- Book Pairing:
- Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies
- A Stick Is an Excellent Thing by Marilyn Singer
Water Play & Exploration
- What to do: Play with water at a stream, a splash pad, or even in a tub at home.
- Learning connection: Talk about where water comes from and how it helps plants and animals.
- Printable Activity: Engage in water play activities like water painting, which helps develop fine motor skills and creativity
- Add a book: Read a story about rivers or water animals afterward.
- Book Pairing:
- Water by Frank Asch
- All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon
Sing-Along & Movement Games
- What to do: Sing songs about animals, nature, or travel (like “The Ants Go Marching” or “Down by the Bay”).
- Learning connection: Builds early literacy through rhythm, repetition, and fun.
- Printable Activity: Get moving with a free printable circle time song that encourages outdoor play and physical activity.
- Book Pairing:
- Down by the Bay by Raffi
- The Wheels on the Bus by Paul O. Zelinsky