10 Easy Activities that
Encourage Young Readers

I think it’s safe to say that you as a new mother and father have aspirations for your little prodigy to one day astound the world. Maybe with a new invention, or a medical breakthrough, or maybe even as a concert violinist, you undoubtedly have some kind of hope for your child’s future.    Yet where do you start on this path to excellence in education?  The answer: By helping your child become a bookworm.
 

I know it can be difficult being a mother or father. You’re not only learning about parenthood, but you’re also a spouse, housekeeper, and employee.  You may be a single parent, which is doubly hard.  It’s sad to say that sometimes our children are the last ones to get our undivided attention.  Yet there is hope for all of you out there who want to have a more active participation in your child’s education, especially in reading. TOP

Precious Time

The good news is you don’t even need to be a licensed teacher or child psychologist do these simple and fun exercises.  All you need is to make a pact with yourself and/or your spouse to integrate at least one reading exercise with your child into your daily schedule. 

The following are creative reading and writing ideas for you and your children.  I’ve applied all of these to my own students from pre-school to High School.   These ideas will not only encourage your little reader, but will bond you closer by giving you an active role in your child’s reading development.   Have Fun! 

1.       The Obvious.  Read to your child 30 minutes every day.  If you don’t have 30 minutes break up the time.  Have the child pick out the book.  TOP

2.      Play Phonics Bingo. (Ages 3 and up).  Make up a Bingo card with letters.  Call out the letters.  The child puts a marker on the letters called until they get Bingo.  When you call out a letter, use it in a word. ( Example: ‘S’ like Snake).  When the child puts the marker on the right letter have them repeat the sound after you.

3.      Point it Out.  Whether you’re at McDonald’s or on the road, point out words and help your child sound them out.  The idea is make everyday places into an active classroom. 

4.      Word Search.  Write down a large line of letters. ( Ages 6 and up) ( Example: rtsujnawersplki)  Have them come up with as many word combinations as possible.  You can also use an actual word for Holiday situations. (Example: Halloween.   1. low  2. owe). TOP

5.      Concentration.  (2 or more players)  For young children use the ABC’s.  Use words or categories of words for older children.  Directions:  In ABC order go around the circle saying a word that starts with the next letter. ( Example:  First person says “apple”.  Second says “bear”, etc.)  You might do categories like movies or actors for more advanced children.  For beginners just go around the circle while each child says the next letter and the sound it makes. 

6.      Make a reading chart with your child.  I would do it monthly.  Have them decorate the chart.  Let them choose some great stickers.  Whenever they finish a reading assignment let them put up a sticker.  After they read a certain amount of books promise them some small treat.  TOP

7.      Bribing Your Child.  When giving them a treat, instead of bribing them with candy, give them the freedom to pick out a book of their choice.  If you’re short on cash choose three books in your budget and let them pick from them.  (The idea is for them to think they have control.)

8.      Take them to the local library.  It’s free, educational and fun.  Now most libraries have educational computer games for children.  Look up reading circles and children activity groups.  Most local libraries have something going on.  If you have the time you can get a Mommy/Daddy and Me class started.  This is a great way to meet parents and maybe even exchange books with each other. TOP

9.    Book Reports. (7 years and up)  After you go somewhere special have your child write an essay or review.  Of course you might not want to expect a 10-page review the first time.  Just a paragraph or two the first time around.  Correct the English and have them re-write.  To go along with the review have them draw a picture or cut and paste pictures from a magazine.  Marvel and awe over your child’s literary magic and display on refrigerator.

10.   Making Cards. ( Ages 3 and up)  Supply the child with colorful construction paper, glue, pens, and old magazines.  Have them cut and glue pictures from the magazines.  Then have them pick a friend or family member to write to.

Each month Brenda will give you ideas on activities you can do with your children to assist them physically, educationally and spiritually in her column, Quality Time.

Brenda Dalzell started her career in childhood education during 1991. Her unique approach integrates film with acting to create unique tutoring programs for  young children of the Montessori private schools. She also owns a company specializes in performing and orchestrating creative parties and movement (exercise) programs for young children throughout Southern California.  Additionally Brenda is an English professor at South Baylo University and at California College of Management Sciences. Through her company and teaching engagements she instructs a diverse range of clients, ranging from young children and concert violinists to company CEOs.