Summer Reading Club: Let’s Read Together! (Animal Themed)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentProjects
1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the classCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
Welcome to this fun, engaging literature class designed for young learners. Each week, we’ll journey through a new animal-themed story that sparks imagination, builds early literacy skills, and encourages creativity through hands-on activities and gentle, guided discussions. This FLEX class is perfect for families who want the flexibility of learning on their own schedule without missing out on connection and fun! What Will Be Taught: • Literature & Listening Skills – Each week features a beloved animal-themed story that builds comprehension, vocabulary, and a love for reading. • Social-Emotional Learning – We’ll explore big ideas like bravery, problem-solving, individuality, and kindness through age-appropriate discussions and story themes. • Creative Expression – Each story includes a printable craft or activity to spark imagination and reinforce key concepts. • Animal Exploration – Students will learn fun facts about different animals featured in each story, making connections between fiction and the real world. Books We’ll Explore: • Week 1: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae (Celebrating differences & confidence) • Week 2: Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck (Ocean animals & exploration) • Week 3: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin (Problem-solving & communication) • Week 4: The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford (Bravery & teamwork) Class Structure: 1. Pre-recorded Read-Aloud Video – A warm, expressive reading of the weekly story to bring it to life. 2. Printable Activities – Creative, hands-on worksheets and crafts to reinforce the story and themes. 3. Interactive Prompts – Fun, open-ended questions and challenges posted in the classroom to get learners thinking, creating, and responding. 4. Weekly Check-In – Optional opportunity for learners to post a photo or drawing related to their project or answer a question. I use a warm, encouraging, and playful teaching style that helps young learners feel safe, engaged, and excited to learn. I break big ideas into simple, age-appropriate steps and focus on storytelling, connection, and creativity. I provide everything needed for a no-stress experience: ready-to-print materials, clear video instruction, and fun discussion prompts to keep learning meaningful and lighthearted. Even though this is a FLEX class, learners will feel supported and encouraged throughout the experience! Every week will include: • A fun classroom prompt where learners can share their thoughts or creations with the teacher • The opportunity to post photos, answers, or drawings related to the story and craft • Personalized, positive feedback from the teacher to celebrate participation and creativity While there are no live meetings or peer interaction, I’ll be actively involved in the classroom to respond to each learner’s work and make sure they feel seen and valued.
Learning Goals
Develop listening and comprehension skills through weekly read-alouds
Strengthen early literacy by identifying story elements such as characters, setting, and main ideas
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
This week, students will explore self-confidence and individuality through the story of Gerald the giraffe, who learns to embrace his unique talents. They'll create a dancing giraffe and can choose to complete any of the printables provided!
1 assignment
5 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck
This week, we dive deep into the sea to discover a variety of ocean creatures and their habitats. Students will enjoy this rhythmic, lyrical book as they learn about different animals that live in the deep blue sea. The activity will involve making a sea creature craft. The class discussion will focus on the animals’ characteristics and how they survive in the ocean, encouraging curiosity about sea life.
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
In this humorous story, cows use typewriters to negotiate with the farmer, leading to a funny and unexpected outcome. This week’s class will focus on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving. Students will discuss how the cows were able to communicate their needs and how the farmer worked with them. The craft activity will be making a cow puppet with movable parts, and students will engage in a discussion about how animals communicate with each other and with humans.
1 assignment
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Seahorses Are Sold Out by Constanze Spengler
This week, we’re reading Seahorses Are Sold Out, a delightful story about Mika, who creatively manages her time while her father is busy working from home. Mika’s inventive solutions lead to unexpected and humorous outcomes, teaching us about creativity, problem-solving, and the joys (and challenges) of pet ownership.
1 assignment
10 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
An adult may need to assist younger learners with printing or using scissors/glue for the weekly activity. All stories used are age-appropriate and selected for general audiences.
Supply List
• Access to a printer (for weekly printable PDFs) • Crayons or markers • Scissors and glue stick • Construction paper (optional for crafts)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Week 1: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Week 2: Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck
Week 3: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Week 4: The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford
Note: You do not need to purchase the books—videos will include read-alouds within educational fair use.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in History from Grand Canyon University
With over 15 years of experience working with children, I bring a deep understanding of how young learners grow, learn, and thrive. As a homeschooling parent and Outschool educator, I specialize in creating engaging, story-based lessons that build foundational literacy and spark imagination. I’ve designed this class to support early learners with gentle guidance, encouraging creativity, and meaningful conversation. My teaching style is warm, encouraging, and playful — helping every child feel seen, valued, and excited to learn.
I believe stories are powerful tools for teaching life lessons, building confidence, and inspiring curiosity — and I can’t wait to share that joy with your child!
Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$4
weekly4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 4-7