Family Activities:
Ideas for Reading Families

Oral Storytelling Games

            Begin with quick oral games like Exaggeration.  Each player picks a topic-for example, I’m so tall … (I can walk over the Empire State Building).  Oral games get everyone thinking, listening, and participating at their own level. 

 

Read-And-Do Time

            Show children that reading isn’t just a school subject by providing books that engage them books that engage them in fun projects or activities.  Try cookbooks, science experiments, how-to books, craft books, sports tips, etc.

 

Board Games For Reading Power

            Language-based games like Scrabble, Trivia, and Pictionary (all which have special versions for children) will help develop vocabulary and phonetic skills.  Create a scoring system that allows a player of all ages a fair chance.

 

Independent Reading Time

            This is an opportunity for quiet time together and for parents to model reading with a variety of materials (magazines, newspapers, books).  Each reader reads quietly on their own, with any non-readers looking at picture books.

 

Story time

            Take Turn choosing books for reading aloud.   Look for books that offer opportunities for funny voices, chime-in responses, or shared reading.  Start by telling the story yourself with expression and enthusiasm.  When family members are confident, encourage them to be the storyteller.  Try using puppets, hats, or costumes.  Set the mood with candles or music.  Invite sound effects like moaning, stomping, or snoring.  Have Fun!

 

From California Reading Association