As we approach the end of the year, excitement for the upcoming festivities and holiday break is definitely in the air! However, it’s common for motivation in the classroom to take a little dip—affecting educators, parents, and students alike.
Your little learners deserve to recharge their batteries (and so do you!), but at the same time, you might not want to let those hard-earned literacy skills take a vacation, too. We’ve collected some ideas to keep your children’s reading and writing skills sharp without making it feel like they’re still in class.
Turn Reading into an Adventure
- Create a cozy reading nook: Set up a special space with pillows, blankets, and fairy lights. It’ll be so inviting, your kids won’t be able to resist curling up with a good book.
- Start a family book club: Choose a book to read together and discuss it over hot chocolate. It’s a great way to bond and keep those comprehension skills sharp.
- Introduce a holiday reading challenge: Make a fun list of books to choose from and offer a special reward for completing the challenge. Maybe a trip to their favorite bookstore?
LiteracyPlanet tip: Have a look at the Intrepizine articles on our platform. There’s something for everyone at every reading level!
Did you know you can try LiteracyPlanet for 30 days for free? The end of the year is a great time to test the waters and have your child explore all of our engaging English literacy activities!
Writing with a Festive Twist
- Craft and send holiday cards: Let your children create their own cards and write messages to family and friends. It’s a great way to practice writing while spreading cheer.
- Start a holiday journal: Encourage your kids to write about their daily adventures during the break. They can include drawings or even create a scrapbook.
- Write and perform a holiday play: Get the whole family involved in writing and acting out a festive story. It’s a fantastic way to boost creativity and confidence.
Sneaky Literacy in Everyday Activities
- Cook up some literacy: Have your children read recipes and help measure ingredients. It’s reading, math, and delicious treats all in one.
- Go on a word scavenger hunt: Whether you’re at home or out and about, challenge your kids to find words starting with specific letters. This little literacy treasure hunt will definitely keep them on their toes.
- Play word games: Break out the Scrabble, Boggle, or any word-based board games. They’re so much fun, your kids won’t even realize they’re learning.
- Sweet, sweet phonics: If you’re a Christmas cookie lover, you could turn one of this year’s batch into letters to practice sounds with. If you need inspiration on where to start, check out our free phonics activities.
The key with all of these activities is to keep them light and enjoyable—it’s the holidays, after all. However, by integrating these activities into your holiday routine, you’ll help your children maintain their literacy skills while creating wonderful memories.
