Today, I thought I’d share with you some activities I’ve found that work well with my kids to get them interested in reading, writing and drawing. The goal is to get them to do these activities on their own, but before they are able to do so, sometimes some prompting from mom (and participation by other family members) helps. Rarely, if ever, do I leave the house without a book or some writing paper or drawing paper for my kids—it makes waiting in lines, waiting for food at restaurants and traveling so much less painful—for both of us. LOL

Reading Aloud

1. Have your littlest ones be in charge if 1 or 2 easy words that frequently occur in a book (such as “I” or “you” or the name of a character in a book). Point to the word when it’s your child’s turn to “read” their word or words.
2. Have your beginning reader read the first sentence in each paragraph.
3. Have your reader read every other page in a book that you read together.
4. Read books aloud to your kids that are just above their reading level and that are the first book in a series, so your child will be inspired to read more in the same series as soon as they are able. And, continue to read aloud to your child even after they know how to read.
5. For your beginning but confident reader, take turns reading pages or chapters in a chapter book. And, for a funny twist, read them in different accents (British, Australian, Indian, Irish, Vampire)

Writing

1. For beginning writers, write part of a letter and have them finish the letter.
2. Make word books with child thinking of and writing a word for each letter of the alphabet.
3. Think of a word or words that must be used by the next person in a silly sentence.
4. Have an adult be in charge of writing down a story narrated by the family–with each member taking turns writing down a sentence. Read aloud when finished.

With older children, the paper and pen can be passed from person to person with 1 person reading the story aloud at the end.

4. Silly poem

Make up a funny rhyming poem with each person adding a line.

Drawing

1. Draw a line or very simple shape and see what your child can turn it into.
2. Each person draws 1 part of a drawing. Keep passing it around until the drawing is complete.
3. Draw something more complex and have your child finish it.
4. Introduce your child to a famous work of art and allow them to do their own interpretation of it.

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