Young kids have boundless energy and short attention spans. Asking them to sit still and read a book might not always go so well. Make it more enjoyable for them by bringing in elements of play and exploration. Here are some fun reading activities to engage your 6-year old and get them excited about books!
Take Turns
Divide the chapters into paragraphs and take turns reading them. To make it more engaging, try incorporating sounds, fun voices and actions that bring characters to life. It’s a fun, engaging reading exercise that will make them feel like they’re part of the story.
Find the Word
Prepare a list of words from the books you want your kid to read and have them find them in the book. This will help keep them motivated throughout the story, all while they build their vocabulary. It can also help increase concentration and attention to detail.
Picture Reading
When reading with your child, talk about the pictures and let their imagination run wild. Use illustrations and photos from books, magazines or anywhere else and ask them to come up with stories to go along with them. This activity will help them develop their visual perception and creativity.
Extend the End
After they’ve finished reading a book, ask your child to think about what might or might not happen next. Motivate them to make up a story. This will encourage them to think outside the box, practice their own storytelling skills and fuel their imagination.
Guess Who?
If you want to pique your kid’s interest, try this game: Drop hints about a character and ask your kid to identify them. Pick a character from any book your kid has read or would like to read. Hints can be physical characteristics, acquaintances, personality traits or situations. Continue to offer hints until they guess the character. This reading activity can help get kids excited about stories and characters and show them just how fun reading can be.
Invite Them Over
Try this fun reading game: Have your kid invite their favorite book character over, then make a list of everything you’ll need for their visit. Consider little things like how they sleep, their favorite cuisine or a place for their pet to sleep. Your child can even dress up as the character and play their role! This fun reading game allows kids to use their imaginations and practice their own storytelling skills.
Book Corner
Set up a comfortable spot for reading. Fill it with cushions and blankets, good lighting, sticky notes and a dictionary. Now all they have to bring is a favorite book! Show them that reading can be a relaxing, feel-good activity.
It Starts With…
Learning to identify the sounds of letters is an important part of the early reading process. Pick a letter and ask your kid to come up with words that begin with that letter. You can even take turns and let them pick a letter.
We hope you and your kid have fun incorporating these reading activities into your daily routine. Want more tips for making books enjoyable for younger readers? Here are 7 reading tips for wiggly kids.
