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Tulsa Teacher Sparks Summer Reading Fun Around “How to Train Your Dragon”

Stories & Spotlights

Summer is a season of relaxation, but it’s also an opportunity to keep kids engaged in meaningful learning that will help prevent learning loss.

Reading is one of the best ways to combat the infamous “summer slide,” according to Insight School of Oklahoma (ISOK) English teacher Emma Avery. She encourages families to bring books to life by pairing them with their movie adaptations.

Avery recently combined the magic of storytelling with hands-on fun using the popular “How to Train Your Dragon” book series — and its hit film adaptation — as inspiration.

“Motivating children to read during the break often requires a bit of creativity,” she said. “With the franchise back in theaters, now is the perfect time for families to dive into the world of dragons and imagination.”

To spark excitement around reading, Avery has designed several themed activities that are as educational as they are entertaining:

  • Dragon Puppets: Riding the wave of a recent viral trend, these cardboard or paper puppets give kids a chance to craft their own dragons. Whether simple or elaborate, they help develop fine motor skills and creativity — and can double as props for read-aloud performances.
  • Dragon Eggs: Using leftover plastic Easter eggs and a bit of clay, children can create textured, paintable dragon eggs. Younger children may prefer Play-Doh in bold colors. It’s a great way to add a tactile, artistic element to story time and extend the fantasy beyond the page.
  • Dragon Fruit Smoothies: Turn snack time into story time with delicious and nutritious smoothies made from dragon fruit, found in most freezer sections. These bright, fruity drinks are perfectly themed to match the dragons of Berk.

These activities are more than just fun — they help children build connections between stories and real life, enhancing comprehension and making reading a shared adventure for the whole family.

Check Emma out here, sharing activities to help parents foster their children’s love of reading this summer.

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