As a teacher and a parent, I know how chaotic August can feel. Summer is winding down, routines are shifting, and kids often need a little extra structure (and fun!) to ease the transition. That’s exactly why I created the August Learning Kit—a ready-to-go printable resource for families who want to sneak in learning and life skills without making it feel like school.
This isn’t just a packet to keep your child busy—each piece is built with intention. You’ll find engaging, flexible activities that build real skills and help your child feel confident and connected before school starts back. Here’s how to use each part of the pack—and why it matters.
What’s Included in the August Learning Kit?
- August Reading Calendar
- August Conversation Cards
- August Screen-Free Bingo Board
- Monthly Theme Intro + Parent Tips
- Parent Notes + Extras Page
- Bonus: First Day of School Countdown Chain
Let’s walk through how to use each part at home!
1. August Reading Calendar
What it is: A printable calendar filled with daily reading activities to try all month long.
How to use it:
Each day has a short reading prompt designed to build habits and make reading fun. You might see things like:
- “Read outside for 10 minutes.”
- “Pick a character from your book and draw them.”
- “Ask a grown-up to read a silly book out loud.”
There’s no wrong way to use this! Put it on the fridge, cross off each day as you go, or choose 3–4 activities a week. You can do it daily or on weekends—whatever works for your schedule.
Why it matters:
The goal is to encourage consistent, joyful reading without the pressure. These short prompts build fluency, comprehension, and most importantly, a love of books.
Real-world connection:
Reading consistently helps your child return to school ready to tackle longer texts, follow directions, and stay focused. It’s also a great way to wind down at night or start a quiet morning.
2. August Conversation Cards
What it is: A printable set of 10–15 themed discussion cards meant for the dinner table, car rides, or quiet moments.
How to use it:
Cut out the cards and put them in a jar or basket. Each day, pick one to read out loud and take turns answering. They’re written with a mix of fun, thoughtful, and skill-building prompts like:
- “What does it mean to be prepared?”
- “What’s your favorite summer memory?”
- “What’s something new you’re excited to learn this year?”
You can use one a day, a few a week, or whenever you want to open up conversation. They work great with siblings, too!
Why it matters:
These cards help build emotional awareness, listening skills, and confidence in expressing thoughts—life skills that matter just as much as math and reading.
Real-world connection:
Practicing conversation helps kids succeed in classrooms, friendships, and family life. It’s a gentle way to check in with your child and get them thinking critically and creatively.
3. August Screen-Free Bingo Board
What it is: A bingo board full of creative, active, and independent activities that don’t involve screens.
How to use it:
Print it out and let your child color or mark off each square as they complete an activity. You can aim for a full row, blackout, or one activity per day.
Activities include things like:
- “Write a letter to someone you love.”
- “Build something out of cardboard.”
- “Help make a snack for the family.”
There’s a nice mix of quiet and active options, so you can match them to your child’s energy level each day.
Why it matters:
This encourages self-direction and creativity while giving parents a break from screen battles.
Real-world connection:
These activities promote fine motor skills, responsibility, problem-solving, and healthy boredom—which we know sparks imagination!
4. Monthly Theme Intro + Parent Tips
What it is: A one-page overview of the month’s theme, learning goals, and suggestions for how to use the materials.
August Theme: Getting Ready & Feeling Confident
This month’s pack is all about preparing for the upcoming school year—mentally, emotionally, and practically. The intro page explains the purpose behind each printable and gives you flexible ideas for using them at home.
You’ll also find parenting tips like:
- “Try doing the activities with your child the first few times to build excitement.”
- “If something feels like a chore, take a break and try a different piece of the kit later.”
Why it matters:
When parents understand the “why” behind a resource, they’re more likely to use it consistently and meaningfully.
Real-world connection:
This helps you build smoother routines at home and gives your child a sense of security and control as school approaches.
5. Parent Notes + Extras Page
What it is: A back-page roundup of extras like book suggestions, easy home ideas, and bonus tips.
In August, you’ll find:
- Book Suggestions about going back to school, being brave, and handling change.
- Quick Home Ideas like setting up a homework spot, prepping a morning checklist, or practicing school routines.
- Tips for Using the Reading Calendar or Bingo Board if your child loses interest or your schedule changes.
Why it matters:
This page is your little cheat sheet for making it all work—especially if you’re juggling multiple kids, work, and summer chaos.
Real-world connection:
Families don’t need more to-do lists. You need simple, actionable ideas you can plug in when time allows. This page makes that happen.
BONUS: Design Your Dream Backpack Activity
This fun, creative bonus printable lets kids design their very own dream backpack—just in time for the back-to-school season!
Whether they’re heading to a classroom or learning from home, this activity encourages kids to think about what they need to feel prepared and excited for learning.
What’s included:
- A backpack outline for kids to color and customize
- A space to draw or list what they’d keep inside
- Prompts to spark creativity (e.g., “What tools help you learn best?”)
Why it works:
This printable builds excitement for the new school year while reinforcing life skills like organization and personal responsibility—both of which tie perfectly into the August kit’s focus. Plus, it makes a great conversation starter for families!
Try This Tip:
After your child designs their dream backpack, ask them to share their favorite item and why. Use it to talk about how we prepare for learning and take ownership of our routines.
How to Fit It Into Your Week
Here’s an example of what a flexible week using the August kit could look like:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Reading calendar prompt | Bingo board activity | Conversation card at dinner |
| Tue | Help make a snack (life skill) | Color the bonus backpack printable | Read a back-to-school book |
| Wed | Pick 2 bingo activities | Prep a school supply list | Chat about feelings with a card |
| Thu | Outdoor reading time | Practice packing a backpack | Watch the sunset together |
| Fri | Do a craft or write a letter | Talk about what it means to be confident | Plan a weekend “yes day” |
No pressure to do it all—just pick what works. You can rotate pieces in and out depending on the day, your energy, and your child’s mood.
Why This Kit Is Worth Using
So many printables out there are just busy work. This kit is different because it’s built on purpose:
- It encourages meaningful connection between kids and parents.
- It builds life skills your child will use every day.
- It gives you structure, without stress.
- It works for working parents, stay-at-home parents, and even teachers.
The August Kit is designed to be low-prep, high-impact—and something your family can actually enjoy.
Bonus Tips for Making It Work
- Print the whole kit at once and keep it in a folder or binder.
- Don’t pressure yourself to do it all—every activity is optional.
- Use it on your schedule: mornings, weekends, or whenever your child says “I’m bored.”
- Let your child help choose what to do next—this builds independence and motivation.
- Pair it with a simple reward (like stickers or a weekend treat) if you want to encourage consistency.
Final Thoughts
The August Learning Kit isn’t just a tool for learning—it’s a way to bring your family closer, set up good habits, and help your child feel capable as they head into a new year.
As a teacher, I know these small moments make a big difference. And as a mom, I know you need it to be easy.
You’ve got this—and I’m here to help.
