Read All About Your Vacation Destination

Share stories to help your kids make the most of this summer’s getaways.

*This story first appeared online at General Mills' Box Tops for Education Family Matters Web site.

Whether you’re traveling across the continent or just across town, the places you go this summer will broaden your child’s world. Help her enjoy your travels—and learn more along the way—by starting each adventure in the pages of a good book.

Link Reading with Discovery “Reading adds meaning to real-world experiences such as travel because it gives children glimpses of other cultures and historical points of view,” says Rebecca Chrystal-Armstrong of Reading Is Fundamental.

Katherine Hutt of Virginia introduced her two kids to the Desert Southwest by reading Kokopelli’s Flute by Will Hobbs (Aladdin, 2005). They instantly connected with the story’s hero, an adventurous 13-year-old who explores an ancient cliff dwelling near his home. And when they got their chance to explore the region, the kids had a greater appreciation for the Native American culture.

“They were so interested because they had a frame of reference,” Hutt says.

Involve Kids in Trip Planning

To build on your child’s enthusiasm for what’s ahead, let him help plan the trip, says Chrystal-Armstrong. Here’s how:
• Go online or visit the library to find books on your destination.
• Talk about the activities you can do when you get there.
• Create a timeline that shows events for each day of your trip.
• Draw a map of your travel route.
• Create a collage of the places and people you’ll see on your vacation.

“When kids know what to expect on vacation—what they will do, who they will meet and what new experiences they will encounter—they will get more out of the experience and have more fun,” says Cindy Hoisington of Education Development Center.

Make a Vacation Reading List

Try these books to introduce kids ages 4 to 8 to places they might be going this summer:
• Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish (HarperCollins, 2003 $3.99). Amelia learns to navigate the great outdoors.
• Arthur Lost in the Museum by Marc Brown (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2005 $3.99). Arthur watches history come to life at a museum.
• The Berenstain Bears Out West by Jan Berenstain (HarperCollins, 2006 $3.99). The Bear family has fun in the wild, wild West at Uncle Tex’s ranch.
• Curious George at the Aquarium (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2007 $3.95). Curious George learns all about sea life.
• Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha! by Barbara Park (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2007 $4.99). Junie B. flies to Hawaii for tropical adventures.