Summer is the perfect time to play games, whether it is kicking or throwing a ball, or doing a few puzzles. Playing games is also an excellent opportunity for learning. Here are five reading and learning activities that explore sports, games, and having fun.
1. Read Play Ball!
Let’s play ball! Can you play softball, football, soccer, or tennis?
- Download Play Ball!
Discuss the book: What do you need to play football? What does Zack do when he plays volleyball? What do you need to play tennis?
2. Watch Roberto Clemente
Watch the video Roberto Clemente to learn more about a baseball player who helped others.
Discuss the video: Where was Roberto Clemente born? What kinds of things did he do for children who didn’t have much money?
You can extend this activity by pretending to interview Roberto Clemente. You may also create a video of the interview.
3. Write about sports
Although many sports are played with balls, many are not. Make a list of sports that do not use any kind of ball (e.g., swimming, running, etc.). Write or dictate to finish this sentence:
I think it would be fun to be good at _____.
You can extend this activity by writing a short story about doing one of these sports.
More to read!
For more reading about fun at a talent show, download Finding Talent.
4. Learn about a ball sport
Look through Play Ball! and pick the sport you know the least about. Go online or read nonfiction books to find five words about this sport. Find out the meaning of these new words and write or dictate their meanings.
You can extend the activity by drawing the new vocabulary words and compiling them into a book.
5. Make a poster
Make a poster for a game or show!
- Think about what you read this week. Make a poster to invite people to come watch a sport or a talent show.
- Use poster board and crayons or markers to draw and write details about the event. Include a time and place.
- Display your poster.
You can extend the activity by acting out playing the sport or performing in the talent show.
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Find more language arts activities for Grades 1-2.
This blog, originally published in 2020, has been updated for 2025.
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