Fun Activities that Encourage Beginner Reading

Gather some old magazines, newspapers, and anything else with lots of pictures and illustrations in them. Let the kids cut out a sequence of pictures and/or words and put them together to form a story. Glue them onto construction paper and bind it into a book.

Play games-

There are tons of games around that encourage reading; wether intentional or not. Board games, charades, cards, computer and gaming systems. In small doses gaming can be really educational, and a good board game creates the perfect fun filled family evening.

Write and/or direct a theatre play-

This is really so much fun. You can write a script from a book, use a play already written, or create a new one all your own. I believe you can even find one already written online or at the library specifically for children.

Design your own book marks-

You can pretty much use anything as a book mark, and there are thousands of ideas on the internet and in books. Take a quick look around to find ideas and then make some with the kids.

Make a calendar-

Have the kids color a scene or characters from their favorite books for each month, and then help them draw out the days and weeks of the months. You could also use coloring books and print outs from the internet. You may also use this as a planner to read books they are interested in; like a 'book-a-month' thing.

Start a bedtime story tradition-

Begin reading to your children at bedtime and try to make a habit of it. It can be a great memory for both of you and will encourage them to start reading there favorite books on their own. It is also thought that reading or studying just before resting can improve chances of remembering it in the future.

Make up your own stories-

Storytelling is always a fun activity, usually for everyone involved. You can relay stories and fairy tales you have herd before and let the kids help expand on them. If you have trouble getting things rolling bring in the aunts and uncles or grandparents to talk about yours and their childhoods. If nothing else, it helps get the imagination going and improves speech skills.

Plan a trip to the local library -

Plan a trip out to the library like it was a trip to the toy store. You could also encourage your children to bring friends along, pick out books, and read to each other. Even if it's just you guys, showing your children by example that reading can be fun and fulfilling is a huge help.