Fun Reading Activities for the Whole Family

Reading as a family has many benefits, from improving literacy skills to strengthening family bonds. It provides an opportunity to share stories, learn together, and connect more deeply. In addition, when children see their parents or siblings reading, they are more likely to develop a love of reading themselves.

Reading as a family can also be a fun and engaging way to introduce new ideas and perspectives and spark discussions about important topics. By prioritizing family reading time, families can cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the written word and create cherished memories together. Here are several fun ways to incorporate reading activities for the whole family:

• Reading bingo: Create a bingo card with different reading tasks or challenges for each square, such as "Read a book about animals," "Read a book with a green cover," or "Read a book written by a female author." Have family members complete tasks to get a bingo. Choose a family prize when you complete bingo— movie night, pizza party, or a trip to the bookstore!

• Scavenger hunt reading: Create a scavenger hunt with clues hidden in books. The clues can be riddles or puzzles that lead the family to the next book. 

• Family book club: Choose a book that is age-appropriate for all members of the family and have everyone read it. Then, come together and discuss the book, asking questions and sharing thoughts and opinions.

• Create your own book: Have each family member write and illustrate their own book on a topic they are passionate about. Then, share the books with each other and celebrate everyone's creativity. Alternatively, have each person in the family create a page for a book and see how the story changes as each person decides what happens next!

• Outdoor reading adventure: Pack a picnic and some books, and head out to a local park or nature reserve for some outdoor reading time. Choose books that focus on nature or the environment to really connect with your surroundings.

• Nature journaling: Encourage kids to start a nature journal to record observations about the world around them. This can include sketches, notes, and even poetry or stories inspired by their surroundings. They can even collect small samples and tape them into their journal. 

• Book-themed crafts: After reading a book together, try a craft activity related to the story. For example, after reading "The Lorax," kids can make their own Truffula trees out of tissue paper and pipe cleaners.

• Field trip: Plan a family outing to a local zoo, aquarium, museum or nature center to learn more about your area's environment and conservation efforts. Then go to the library and find books that match your excursion. Can everyone find a book about zoo animals or sea creatures?

• Family reading theater: Choose a short play or story to act out as a family. Kids can make their own play sets from cardboard and other household materials. It’s a lot of fun to be the big bad wolf, knocking over straw houses!

Busy week? If you can’t fit in one of these activities, know that reading together as a family is the most critical piece. Creating a culture of reading in your home helps students to improve their vocabulary and language skills, increase their concentration and sparks their imagination, curiosity, and creativity. So let us know which activities your family enjoys best (and be sure to share photos!