OCDEL’s Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip Features Nature Theme

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has kicked off its 2026 Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, which features a theme and activities that emphasize exploring the natural world.

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Each year, OCDEL’s initiative helps families, teachers, and early childhood partners to explore ways to support young children’s love of reading and learning.

This year’s theme, From Ground to Sky, encourages children to explore the natural world, from the rocks beneath their feet to the trees high above them, by looking closely, asking questions, and discovering how nature connects to their everyday lives.

The initiative’s Nature Journal - which can be printed in English and Spanish - is a family travel companion that includes:

• Inclusive early learning activities designed for all young children

• Hands-on nature experiences to do in the backyard, a park, or on a walk

• Family-friendly activities that support learning through play and exploration

All activities in the Nature Journal are aligned with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, which help children to build important skills in language, literacy, curiosity, observation, and self-regulation that will be necessary as they begin school.

The Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip’s map highlights special areas in Pennsylvania to find native rocks and trees - such as Cook Forest State Park, Archbald Pothole State Park, Chatham Arboretum, Keystone State Park, and other locations.

To view the initiative’s numerous activities - which include everything from a building and sorting rock challenge to differentiating the buds, leaves, branches, and other parts of a tree - visit the 2026 Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip website.