Developing reading skills often begins at school, but a love for reading truly blossoms when parents actively participate in the process. The bond created through shared reading experiences is immeasurable, and if you’re a parent who has spent quality time reading storybooks with your child, you’ll understand the power of this connection.
However, with today’s busy schedules, parents may find it challenging to dedicate time to reading. When there’s a challenge, innovative solutions can help! Here are 8 engaging activities that will help you connect with your child and nurture their love for reading, even when you’re at the office. It’s like creating a “wireless connection” between you and your child!
Do try these activities and enjoy the extra-special hug you’ll get when you come home from work.
- Create Audio Recordings for Books
Choose a storybook each day and record yourself reading it aloud, using voice modulations to make it fun. Your child can listen to the audio while turning the pages of the book. Make it interactive by asking questions, like “How many cars are in the story?” Pause in the recording to give your child time to think before revealing the answer. This activity not only makes reading enjoyable but also lets your child feel connected to your voice and shows that you value reading.
- Exchange Greeting Cards
Create personalized greeting cards and leave them in your child’s wardrobe or on their study table for them to find when they come home. Simple, thoughtful notes like “I loved how you got ready for school on time today” or “Thanks for helping Dad find his phone charger!” make your child feel special and appreciated. Encourage them to make their own greeting cards too. This helps them express their thoughts and emotions, building their emotional intelligence as well as their writing skills.
- Daily Reading Challenge
Set a reading challenge for both you and your child by choosing a book to read together during the week or month. You can each pick your own book. Stick to your reading commitment, and when you come home, spend a few minutes discussing what you both read. Encourage your child to ask questions about your book. This shared activity helps them develop a love for reading and look forward to quality time with you.
- Read and Draw
After reading a book, draw pictures or create a mind map to represent the story. Encourage your child to do the same for the books they read. Later, compare your drawings and discuss how each of you interpreted the story. This activity is a fun, creative way to visually connect with the book while sparking meaningful conversations. By sharing your perspectives, you’ll not only deepen your bond but also open up more opportunities for interaction and understanding.
- Podcast of Storybook Readings
On weekends, help your child practice reading a story aloud with proper stress, pauses, and intonations. During weekdays, you can ask your child to record their reading and ask them to share it with you. Make sure that you listen to their podcast and discuss it when you’re home. This activity helps improve fluency and pronunciation while offering you valuable insight into their reading progress.
- Create a Neighborhood Book Club
Start a small book club with children from the neighborhood who are around your child’s age. Encourage them to read books and share their thoughts. Host a book club gathering at a different home each weekend, where the kids can discuss what they’ve read, share book reviews, and exchange books. This social approach to reading fosters excitement and helps children develop communication skills.
- Reading Journal
Maintain a shared reading journal with your child or encourage them to keep their own. For each book they read, they can dedicate a page to write down their thoughts, draw their favorite parts, and reflect on what they learned. This practice not only nurtures critical thinking but also helps them track their reading journey.
- Treasure Hunt
Create a treasure hunt with 4-5 clues that lead to a special reward, like a snack or their favorite toy. Each clue should include a short message that they have to read and comprehend in order to move to the next step. This activity is both fun and educational, promoting reading comprehension and problem-solving skills. My son loved this activity when he was six years old, and it quickly became his favorite!
These 8 activities will not only foster a love of reading but also strengthen the bond between you and your child, even when you’re not physically present. Try them out and let us know how they worked for you!
In a world full of distractions, it’s important to innovate and find creative ways to nurture a love for books and reading. Do you have an interesting game or activity to share? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
