July invites play and open exploration
July invites children to slow down, enjoy summer rhythms, and explore the world around them. It’s a time for play, reflection, and connecting experiences, building on the language, stories, and ideas from the year so far.
Through storytelling, conversation, and hands-on activities, children can notice change, express themselves, and celebrate small joys. July is a month to pause, enjoy shared experiences, and embrace curiosity under the summer sun.
Moments That Matter in July
July is full of opportunities to celebrate and notice:
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Summer Exploration: Enjoy the outdoors, notice nature, and experience seasonal activities.
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Independence & Community: Reflect on freedom, teamwork, and being part of a larger community.
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Family and Friendship: Celebrate connections through shared stories, games, and creative projects.
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Cultural Awareness: Explore traditions and celebrations from different parts of the world.
Moments That Matter in July
1 – Canada Day
1 – International Joke Day
1 – International Reggae Day
1 – National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
2 – World UFO Day
4 –
Independence Day (United States)6 – International Kissing Day
7 – World Chocolate Day
8 – Video Games Day
9 – National Sugar Cookie Day
10 – Pick Blueberries Day
10 – National Kitten Day
12 – Cow Appreciation Day
13 – National French Fry Day
14 – Bastille Day
14 – Shark Awareness Day
14 – National Mac and Cheese Day
16 – Guinea Pig Appreciation Day
17 – World Emoji Day
20 – International Chess Day
20 – National Fortune Cookie Day
20 – National Lollipop Day
21 – National Hot Dog Day
25 – National Merry-Go-Round Day
26 – Bagpipe Appreciation Day
29 – International Tiger Day
30 – International Day of Friendship
Ways to Explore These Moments
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Story Moments: Read books that celebrate summer, friendship, or exploration
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Conversation Sparks: Ask questions about experiences, feelings, and favorite summer activities
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Playful Exploration: Notice patterns, weather, plants, animals, or seasonal rhythms
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Quiet Making: Drawing, journaling, or crafting simply because it feels enjoyable
These are invitations to observe, reflect, and connect, not lessons to check off.
Read-Aloud Books for July
These stories allow children to reflect, imagine, and share experiences while enjoying the slower rhythm of summer.
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli: A humorous story about a crocodile who's afraid of swallowing a watermelon seed, perfect for laughs and discussions about summer fruits.
Summer Days and Nights by Wong Herbert Yee: A story that follows a little girl's adventures during the summer, exploring activities from dawn to dusk.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague: A humorous story about a boy's exaggerated tale of his summer vacation adventures, perfect for sparking imagination and storytelling.
Themes to teach during July
July offers a variety of thematic opportunities for ESL classes. Here are some engaging themes that could be relevant and interesting for ESL learners during this month:
Independence Day: Learning about American culture, discussing the history and traditions of July 4th, and exploring the significance of independence in different countries. Grab some ideas here
Summer and Vacation: Continuing discussions on summer-related vocabulary, discussing travel plans, summer holidays, and activities. Grab some ideas here
Beach and Seaside: Exploring vocabulary related to the beach, discussing beach activities, sea creatures, and safety measures.
Picnics and Barbecues: Discussing food vocabulary, exploring popular picnic foods, and traditions associated with outdoor gatherings.
Weather and Seasons: Discussing the characteristics of summer weather, comparing seasons, and how weather impacts activities during summer.
Nature and Wildlife: Exploring nature-related vocabulary, discussing outdoor adventures, and learning about local flora and fauna.
These themes offer rich contexts for language practice, conversation, and reflection at a relaxed, natural pace.
Ideas You Can Try (No Prep Needed)
Sit outside and notice sounds, colors, and movements of summer
Share a favorite memory from the school year or summer plans
Ask one reflective question: “What do you enjoy most about summer?”
Draw, journal, or craft with natural summer materials
Play simple games that encourage storytelling or teamwork
Celebrate small achievements and kindnesses with peers or family
These are moments to savor, not tasks to complete.
Cultural Celebrations to Notice in July
These celebrations encourage curiosity, observation, and respectful appreciation of diverse traditions.
Independence Day (United States): Celebrated on July 4th, it commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Festivities include fireworks, parades, concerts, barbecues, and patriotic events.Grab some ideas here
Bastille Day (France): Celebrated on July 14th, it marks the French National Day, commemorating the French Revolution. Festivities include fireworks, parades, parties, and communal gatherings.
Fiesta de Santiago (Spain and Latin America): Celebrated on July 25th, it honors St. James, the patron saint of Spain. Festivities include processions, cultural events, music, and feasting.
Obon (Japan): Celebrated in mid-July or August, it's a Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of ancestors. Festivities involve lanterns, traditional dances (Bon Odori), visiting family graves, and offerings.
Gion Matsuri (Japan): Held in Kyoto throughout July, it's one of Japan's most famous festivals. It features massive floats (Yamaboko Junko), processions, traditional performances, and street festivals.
Eid al-Adha (Islamic holiday): The date varies based on the Islamic lunar calendar, marking the end of Hajj pilgrimage. Celebrations include prayers, animal sacrifices, feasting, and sharing with the community.
July invites children to pause, play, and notice.
Celebrate friendship, summer, and curiosity. Revisit stories, enjoy shared moments, and let learning continue at a gentle, reflective pace — honoring growth, connection, and the joy of the season.
Happy July!
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