KERA’s fifth-annual Summer Learning Challenge provides parents and caregivers with a structured, ready-made plan for making this a fun, educational summer for children.
The program includes monthly calendars with daily activities, tips for parents, resources for summer reading and special summer events. Stay updated on upcoming events by checking this page, signing up for the Full STEAM Ahead email newsletter and joining the KERA Summer Learning Challenge Facebook group.
All registered children and families are invited to complete the summer activity checklist with a chance to earn cool PBS and KERA Kids books and giveaways.
This year, we focus on space exploration, literacy and social-emotional development with PBS Kids characters from Ready, Jet Go!, Peg+Cat and Molly of Denali.
In honor of Sesame Street’s 50 anniversary, we have activities and special events featuring our friends from our favorite street.
This year’s materials include recommended books from the public library and other cool activities from some of your favorite characters.
Lists, links, printables and other resources for 2019 are available! Meanwhile, here’s how the challenge will go:
1. Starting June 9, you’ll register for the challenge (it’s free) on Eventbrite.
2. Have fun with the monthly Summer Learning activity calendar and keep track using the Summer Learning checklist.
3. Then send us your completed checklist at the end of the summer for a special KERA STEAM prize pack. Scan it (a good smartphone photo of the checklist that looks like a scan will do) and email it to us, or mail it to:
KERA Community Engagement
Attn: Denita Malvern
3000 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75201
With each month’s activity calendar, there will be accompanying printables, videos and other materials. Take a look at the August calendar, the last month of the 2018 Summer Learning Challenge, to get an idea.
Download and print this checklist, then track progress on the 10 listed benchmarks. Upon completion, have each child sign their name, then send the form to us.
You can scan the form and email it to us at [email protected] or mail it:
KERA Community Engagement
Attn: Denita Malvern
3000 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75201
Your child(ren) will get a KERA STEAM prize pack in return!
Download and print this handy chart to keep track of summer reading.
Download and print these handy bookmarks to help not lose your spot in your summer reading.
Download this booklet for more fun anytime, anywhere activities.
Download this book for even more fun anytime, anywhere activities.
Get ready! The theme for June is space exploration, and June’s challenges will include reading. Browse librarian-picked books from Dallas Public Library and check them out, right here. If you live in a different city than Dallas, then use this list for inspiration before heading out to your own town’s library:
Want more book recommendations, hand-picked by Dallas librarians? Check out our book-browsing and check-out station.
Questions? Email the KERA Community Engagement Department.
Are you a teacher, homeschool parent or other educator? Follow KERA Learn! on Pinterest.
Join the KERA Summer Learning Challenge Facebook group.
Sign up for the Full STEAM Ahead email newsletter.
Sign up for our Start Smart text messages to receive easy tips on engaging with young children.