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Learning Together Joyfully: Celebrating Father’s Day

Welcome back educators, parents, grandparents and caregivers! There’s no one “type” when it comes to an amazing Dad. Some family structures might have two Dads or one or have a Dad who lives in a different home. There are so many great dads and grandfathers in children’s literature—sensitive, funny, encouraging, and strong, just like the real-life ones we love. Some Dads might enjoy being outdoors or watching sports or a movie. Whatever they choose to do in their spare time, Fathers are more involved in the raising of their children then ever before and deserve to be celebrated on Father’s Day!

1.  Read and Sing together 📚 

FATHER’S DAY BOOKS: No matter what preferences Dads might have, the one father-child activity most Dads enjoy and can agree on is reading. When you think about it, Fathers aren’t exactly the focus of many books so surprising him with a few books that celebrate him as the hero of the day can be the most touching Father’s Day gift. Not only will kids be reminded of how lucky they are to have such a wonderful Father, but he’ll end the day feeling extra special and appreciated. Enjoy the following read aloud picture books that are perfect for kids of different ages or check out your school and public library or bookstore to buy or borrow the following recommended books. All siblings can take a turn reading with Dad on Father’s Day.  

• Oh, Daddy! By Bob Shea. A Dad gets his son to do what he wants by pretending to do it wrong, prompting his ever so clever son to show him the right way. Daddies . . . they can be funny and lovable and really, really silly. Oh, Daddy! 

• Things To Do With Dad by Sam Zuppardi. Dad’s to-do list is full of boring chores. Undeterred, his son launches a more creative approach to getting things done. Soon, dad catches on and joins the fun in this touching, almost-wordless title. 

• Froggy’s Day With Dad by Jonathan London. When Froggy is in charge of planning the Father’s Day surprises, there are bound to be some messes involved, and a classic “more red in the face than green” moment – but plenty of fun, too. 

• Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko. When Nicholas loses his toy dinosaur, the one thing that helps him feel brave, his dad doesn’t hesitate to head out late at night to search for it with him. It turns out nothing is more reassuring than feeling understood. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff. 

• And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. This true story of two male penguins who became foster parents together is impossibly sweet. The text sensitively portrays the penguins’ companionship and matter-of-factly explains why they couldn’t have their own egg like the other penguin couples. This important story honors the many ways there are to create a family – even in the animal kingdom.

• How To Surprise a Dad by Jean Reagan. This title will get kids thinking about personalized ways to show their own dads – or other special grownups – that they care. Celebrate the love between a dad and child in this charming picture book about showing dad that they care. The pages of this book are full of tips on how to become a super dad “surpriser”, including tips for things you can make, do, or find—just for your dad. Be sure to read up on: Yummy treats and presents for a dad; What to do if he starts getting suspicious; How to prepare for the big moment (where to hide everyone, and how to practice whispering “Surprise!”) 

• My Dad Used To Be So Cool by Keith Negley. This young narrator is pretty sure his dad used to be in a rock band and ride a motorcycle. So what happened? Let your students figure it out from the illustrations and ask them to imagine ways their own dads used to be cool. 

• I Have Two Homes by Marian De Smet. When Nina’s parents separate it is challenging as she learns to live at two homes. 

• Daddy is My Hero by Dawn Richards. Sometimes Dads are pretty normal, and just have to do mundane things around the house.  But in the eyes and imaginations of their children, they are still amazing. 

• When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker. Even Dads can remember what it’s like to be little and how to be goofy.  Join the celebration of Dads being big kids in this playful book which follows four father-child pairs as they spend happy, silly times together, popping bubble wrap and watching cartoons and taking part in shopping cart races. These are dads who aren’t worried about looking goofy or getting their hair wet – dads who still remember what it’s like to be little. Don’t be fooled. They may look like grown-ups on the outside, but underneath they’re just like… Kids! 

• Because I’m Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa. Spaghetti for breakfast? Experience the love a goofy, monster Dad has for his child as they do fun and silly activities, just like the Dad used to do with his Dad when he was a child.  This is another favorite fun Father’s Day book that kids like to read with their Dads. 

• My Dad by Susan Quinn is a beautifully illustrated, stereotype-busting celebration of all the everyday things one child’s dad does to make him so wonderfully, daddish-ly awesome! He may not be a superhero, or an astronaut, or a secret agent… but my dad is still the best dad in the world! From baking cookies and gardening to playing make-believe and watching the sunset, a child reveals all the simple yet wonderful things he loves to do with his dad. With lyrical rhyming text and gentle illustrations, this is a joyous celebration of fatherhood that creates a special reading experience between a child and their father. This may inspire a child to explore what makes the relationships in their own life so special after reading this touching book. 

• We Belong Together: A Book About Adoption and Families by Todd Parr. This book explores the ways that people can choose to come together to make a family. It’s about sharing your home and sharing your heart to make a family that belongs together.

• Home At Last by Vera B. Williams and Chris Raschka. After Lester is adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he develops a big problem—he can’t fall asleep. It’s the sweet dog, Wincka, who finally solves the problem and helps Lester feel at home.

• A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita Oelschlager.  A young girl answers a friend’s straightforward questions about having two fathers. The story ends with simply, “Who is your dad when you’re sad and need some love?” Both, of course.

• The Family Book by Todd Parr. All kinds of families are celebrated in a funny, silly and reassuring way. Includes adoptive families, stepfamilies, single-parent families, two-mom and two-dad families and families with a mom and a dad. 

• Mighty Dads by Jean Holub. Calling all builders, even those enjoying playing with cranes, trucks and diggers in the the sandbox. This book takes dads and their kids to a construction site to show how fathers build things full of love, with their little ones learning right beside them. Your kids’ dad might secretly swell with a bit of pride while reading this tribute to the many ways fathers set positive examples for their kids.

• Big Choo by Stephen Shaskan. Choo’s biggest dream is to be a brave, fast train just like his dad, Papa Pufferbelly. (Just try to say that name without smiling.) But becoming a Big Choo comes with unexpected challenges, and Little Choo will need all the bravery and strength he can muster to chugga-chugga-chug on the main line. Along the way, he learns a valuable lesson about never giving up on your dreams, even when everything goes off track. 

• Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry. With her mom away, Zuri’s dad has to step in to style her hair, with all its beautiful kinks and curls. With lush artwork, and a heartwarming, empowering message, this book is a delightful celebration of the father-daughter relationship. 

• The Favorite Daughter by Allen Say. When Yuriko’s art teacher calls her “Eureka” by mistake, all of her classmates start teasing her with the name. In turn, Yuriko tells her father that she wants to change her name to Michelle, but he helps her find confidence in herself and her Japanese heritage through exploring their favorite traditions. A touching tale that’s moving for any reader, this read shows the beauty of fathers passing down their heritage (and may even inspire dads to talk about their own loved traditions).

SONGS – can be good for a child’s physical development as well as their emotional development. Research shows that there are physiological benefits of singing for children. It is good for the respiratory muscles and optimizes breathing.

FATHER’S DAY

• I Love My Daddy
• I Love My Daddy 
• Daddy Is His Name O 
• Father’s Day Song
• The Father’s Day Song: A funny song for Dads.
• Boom Chick A Boom Father’s Day

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

Crafts frequently center focus on the development of fine motor skills. Cutting, pasting, tearing, and positioning are functional tasks that require fine motor strength, coordination, grasp, precision, and manipulation of craft materials and tools. Children can create and enjoy while working on skills like fine motor dexterity and strength, line awareness, scissor skills, language, self-confidence, problem-solving, tool use, and more. Below, you’ll find crafts for kids that can be used to promote many of these skills. 

FATHER’S DAY:

• Encourage children to fill in this template about their Mom, Dad, Grandfather or care-giver to share on Father’s Day.
• Find directions here and invite children to make a salt dough Dad Rocks paperweight.

• Children may enjoy creating this simple-to-make Tie Bookmark for Father’s Day. Find Instructions here – Father’s Day Craft: Tie-Shaped Bookmark Using Tear Art .Children can draw their own ties but here is a mini tie template.pdf – Google Drive. 

• Draw a picture of your father on this Drawing Prompt Father’s Day Portrait.pdf – Google Drive.

• Following these instructions create Following in Daddy’s Footsteps craft idea. Place a child’s footprint inside dad’s shoe print. Have children create their own verse to add or they can copy these printable sayings.  

• This Father’s Day Gift – 10 Things I Love About Dad – is the perfect way to show how much children love and care for this special care-giver. Read instructions here to create this popsicle stick idea. (Ezebreezy.com)

3. Explore, Engage & Interact together 🌍

4. Healthy Living: Movement & Nutrition 👭

With any celebration, like Father’s Day where special plans involving children may be in the works, they can become overly excited and exhibit more challenging behaviours. Sometimes, actively involving them in movement activities such as brain breaks can help kids focus and concentrate and get their wiggles out. Involving them in preparing Dad’s favorite foods can also redirect their energy in a positive way. Included are some movement activities as well as some quick snacks that children can assist with during the preparations.

MOVEMENT: Children will enjoy engaging in these fun movement activities.

• Seven Jumps – Dance Movement
• Move with Me
• Ain’t it great to be crazy
• I Am on My Way (Graduation Song)
• Johnny Johnny Yes Papa and more Movement Songs

NUTRITION:

• Smashed Potatoes with Tomato and Avocado. Children can help prepare this tasty side dish recipe, which combines almond/avocado/lemon/basil – it blends well with the salt and oil of the potatoes. 

• Quinoa Lettuce Wraps – Kids can be hesitant to try new foods that look different or have  a different texture.  Involving children in preparing foods can help ease anxieties about trying that new food. It can also be a perfect time to work together to talk as they create.

• Kid Friendly Antipasto Skewer Recipe – Antipasto can contain many different ingredients so modify it to meet the tastes of your family or use what you have on hand. Use your garden-fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese, and sliced deli meats such as salami.

5. Reflect: Thoughts of the Day about Learning 💭