Blog
13 Ways to Boost Literacy This Winter (Free Printables Included!)
Anne Hauth • November 26, 2024
Regardless of where kids are on their reading journey, there are countless ways to incorporate reading into cozy days at home this winter. Here are some easy ideas for kids to try at home over winter break and beyond!
- Have kids think of the trusted friends, family members, or adults in their lives who can read, and encourage them to read aloud with these people as often as possible. Depending on their reading ability, they can simply listen to a book read aloud, or they can take turns reading and being read to. Have the kids fill out this Read-Aloud Log every time someone reads to them or every time they read to someone. You could offer a small reward for completing this activity every day of winter break (or every day during a predetermined time period). Reading aloud to their pets, stuffed animals, or even to themselves counts too!
- Set up reading challenges in which kids set goals and record their minutes spent reading or the number of books they read.
- Have kids color and decorate these winter-themed bookmarks to make reading even more fun.
- Encourage kids to borrow books from the library and have a big pile to choose from on cozy winter days. See this Cozy Wintertime Book List for book ideas.
- Refer to our 7 Ways to Create a Cozy Reading Environment document to create an ideal reading space.
- Lend or gift kids the first book in a series that’s likely to hook them. Sometimes all it takes is the right series to turn a reluctant reader into a bookworm!
- Incorporate reading time into other fun activities. For example, while making dinner or baking holiday treats, kids can read the recipes and write out the grocery lists.
- Create a snowflake book wall. Print out this Snowflake Wall Template, and have kids fill out a snowflake each time they finish a book. Then, have them tape the snowflake to the wall.
- Encourage kids to find ways to read while playing favorite games or while spending time on electronic devices. While playing games, have them read the game instructions aloud. While watching shows, have them turn on and read the subtitles.
- Have kids practice reading and writing while completing this fun Winter Scavenger Hunt. They’ll get some fresh air too!
- Refer to this Send Some Cheer printable for addresses to places where kids can send letters. Have them practice their writing skills and spread kindness by writing to kids in hospitals, senior citizens, refugee children, and more.
- Set up daily One Minute Reader time, and see literacy progress in just minutes! This research-proven, parent-trusted program is free for 7 days and just $8/month after that. Your kids will have so much fun beating their goals, they won't want to stop.
- Download the Splat-o-Nym vocabulary iPad app, which keeps kids entertained while boosting their vocabulary. Kids can try a free version of this game and purchase to get the full experience. Note that this app is only available for iPads, not smartphones or other devices.
Add your own ideas to this list! Our hope is for all kids to experience the joy of reading this winter season and always.
Highlighted Posts
We've arrived at the season of giving thanks--but shouldn't that be every season? Research shows that grateful people are happier and healthier. Here are 12 easy ways to cultivate gratitude with your kids all year long. Click on the links to download free printables! Keep a stack of these Gratitude Cards in a central area of your house. Anytime your child has someone to thank, encourage them to fill out a card! Play Gratitude BINGO. Download these printable BINGO Cards and instructions for playing . The BINGO Cards are an interactive PDF, so you can type on them before printing if you wish. Keep a family Gratitude Journal. At the end of each day, ask your kids what they were thankful for that day. Write their thoughts in the journal. Encourage your kids to think of things specific to the day, and ask them to try not to repeat things from previous days. This practice will help them notice that there are new things to be thankful for each day. Download this Gratitude Scavenger Hunt and have kids complete this activity with friends, classmates, or neighbors. Design your own scavenger hunt using this interactive PDF with different items, so you can play as much as you’d like. Decorate your home with a Gratitude Tree. Create the tree by drawing branches on a poster board or by standing real twigs in a pot or vase. Have kids write their gratitudes on the Gratitude Leaf Cards and add them to the tree. Hopefully you'll be adding branches all year long as your kids think of more and more reasons to give thanks. Take a Gratitude Walk. Walk outdoors with your kids, and have them carry a notebook and pen. Ask them to be quiet during the walk. Have them notice and write down what feels good and what they appreciate about being outdoors. After the walk, ask them to elaborate, either verbally or in writing, on what they wrote down. The books on this Gratitude Book List are all about giving thanks. Whether you're looking for picture books to read aloud to younger kids or chapter books that inspire reflection in your older kids, this list has dozens of fantastic titles. Sometimes the simplest questions can lead to the most profound answers. Use these Gratitude Conversation Starters to prompt thoughtful discussions in your family. Do a daily Gratitude Meditation. Have kids close their eyes and think about the word “thankful” for a quiet minute each day. When they open their eyes, have them write down, tell you, or simply reflect for a moment on the things that came to mind. Have kids write what they’re thankful for on little slips of paper. Have them put the papers in a jar or add them to a bulletin board. Be a role model. Offer your own reflections whenever you feel thankful for something. Take pictures of the things your kids are grateful for. Print the pictures to make a Gratitude Collage to display in your home. P.S. We are thankful for YOU! Thank you for all you do to help your kids become better readers. Please connect with us if One Minute Reader can support you in any way.
Help your child overcome reading struggles and build confidence with proven strategies like reading together, repeated reading, and progress tracking.
Is your child struggling with reading? Learn 15 key signs to watch for, from avoiding reading to spelling mistakes. Early detection is crucial for providing the right support.
Ready to see an improvement in your child's reading?
Sign up today and get seven days for FREE.
One Minute Reader is just $8 per month after your free trial.