Creative Summers is an engaging holiday programme that blends reading, creativity, and self-expression for children aged 6–15 and is aligned with the UK’s National Year of Reading 2026 – Go All In. Designed as a meaningful offline experience, it invites young learners to explore books, storytelling, and ideas through fun, interactive sessions. Rooted in a learner-centred approach, the programme nurtures critical thinking, communication, and confidence through collaborative activities and guided exploration. It aligns with global education values by fostering cultural awareness, creativity, and a lifelong love for reading in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Programme Highlights
- Cultivates a lasting love for reading through engaging, interactive experiences.
- Offers a fresh, thoughtfully designed activity each day to sustain interest and enthusiasm.
- Blends individual exploration with collaborative group learning.
- Provides meaningful opportunities for children to create, present, and celebrate their work.
Key Dates
- Programme dates: Monday 18– Friday 22 May 2026
- Registrations close: 16 May 2026
Fees (per session)
- Library Members: ₹300 / ₹ 500 per session. (fees vary by age groups)
- Non-members: ₹600 / ₹ 800 per session. (fees vary by age groups)
Register for one or multiple sessions. Registrations for multiple sessions require individual registration online or one registration at the customer service desk in British Council
Outcomes
- Greater interest in reading
- Stronger creativity and imagination
- Confidence in expressing idea
- Deeper connection with the library
Overview of the sessions
Day 1: The Creative Story Corner
| Age group | Activity |
| 6 – 7 years | Storytelling with craft - children listen to a story, learn new words and then create a puppet. |
| 8 – 9 years | Story builders circle - group story creating with prompts and character cards. |
| 10 - 12 years | Twist the tale - Reimage a familiar story with a surprising ending. |
| 13 - 15 years | Know your newspaper - Learn the 5 Ws of writing. |
Day 2: Playing with Words
| Age group | Activity |
| 6 – 7 years |
My little story book - create a short illustrated mini picture book using stickers, drawings and simple words. |
| 8 – 9 years |
Character creation factory - build your own story here! Create unique characters using descriptive language. |
| 10 – 12 years |
Flash Fiction Lab - This fun, fast paced session helps children become confident storytellers by creating very short stories packed with imagination. |
| 13 – 15 years | Stories that stay - this session helps teens learn how to write short stories that truly stick with readers. the focus is on creating impactful narratives with strong openings and memorable endings. |
Day 3: Voice & Expression
| Age group | Activity |
| 6 - 7 years |
Show and tell circle - children will discuss and talk about their favourite book boosting confidence, nurturing speaking skills. |
| 8 - 9 years | Read aloud theatre - dramatic reading of books learning how to articulate and read with expressions. |
| 10 - 12 years |
Character voices - bringing stories to life - This interactive session helps children discover how to make their characters feel real, unique, and exciting by using voice, tone, and dialogue. |
| 13 - 15 years |
Own your voice - this session helps teens explore how to use their voice, not just for speaking but for expressing ideas, emotions and identity. |
Day 4: Art Meets Story
| Age group | Activity |
| 6 - 7 years |
Draw your story - Illustrate a story they have heard or created. |
| 8 - 9 years |
Comic strip creation - turn a story into a comic. |
| 10 - 12 years |
Draw your tale - this session blends imagination, drawing and storytelling to create characters and worlds through art and bring them to life through storytelling. |
| 13 - 15 years | Visual narratives - this session invites children to tell stories without relying only on words. Instead, they explore how images, colours and symbols can come together to express and idea, mood or theme. |
Day 5: Explore creativity
| Age group | Activity |
| 6 - 7 years |
Make and take - bookmark making session - in this creative session children will design and decorate their own bookmarks inspired by stories they love. A simple way to build a personal connection with books and encourage regular reading habits. |
| 8 - 9 years |
Think fast, speak fast - a high energy session where children will learn to think on their feet and express ideas clearly in just a minute. |
| 10 - 12 years |
Book tale lab - this session helps children move beyond just reading a book and learn to think about it, forming opinions and expressing ideas clearly. |
| 13 - 15 years | Digital tools for kids - children will learn to stay ahead of the curve by boosting their digital skills. they will learn the 3A formula - awareness, adaption and adoption. |
For more information, please visit British Council, 16 Camac Street, L & T Chambers, Kolkata 700017 or write to tridib.duttachoudhury@britishcouncil.org