Caution: Don’t eat actual soup while you’re playing this game. (We did – it was an issue. I’ll tell you at the end.) Scrabble – Alphabet Scoop is a fun new game that you can play with kids who are at different levels of literacy and of different ages. It’s […]
Tag: toys and games
QR codes – reading fun for the whole (nerdy) family
OK, this is a great tip but it might be a bit… er… nerdy. But then, so am I. And so is my kid, who wears it like a badge of honour. You’ve seen these QR codes, right? They’re on ads, posters, marketing material. Maybe you never knew what they […]
Children’s book apps for your cell phone
Children’s book publishers are creating cell phone apps for books like The Velveteen Rabbit and The Cat in the Hat. Kids can read the book on their parent’s phone and enjoy some interactive features. For instance, they can touch a word they don’t know and hear it or touch the picture […]
Contest! Win a Ji Ga Zo puzzle
What is the best literacy activity you’ve done with your kids to help get them reading? The three top answers will be shared here and will win a Ji Ga Zo puzzle, courtesy of Hasbro and Getting Kids Reading. The contest ends on Saturday, April 2 so get your answer(s) […]
Brain game: Connections
Here’s a fun game we were playing at the dinner table recently. It’s called “Connections,” and it’s great to help with creativity and get the blood flowing to the ol’ brain cells – not just for your kids but for you, too. You start. You name two objects that seemingly […]
Fun new, brain-challenging jigsaw puzzle
They’ve finally come up with a new, addictive, fun and brain-saving type of jigsaw puzzle that kids will actually enjoy. It’s difficult – if not downright impossible – to explain exactly how Ji Ga Zo works. You have to try it for yourself, and you’ll understand. (Which is why I […]
Valentine’s Day literacy activities
Use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to do some fun literacy activities.
Valentine’s Day literacy activities
This
1. Think of words that rhyme and write a poem for a loved one.
2. Create personalized Valentine’s Day cards and write each other loving messages. Cut out words and letters from magazines to make them extra unique.
3. Bake Valentine’s Day cupcakes and use candy heart notes or icing to write a sweet message.
4. Play a “Valentine’s Day edition” game of Scrabble® and score double points when you spell a word about love.
5. Show yours kids you love them by reading a love-themed book together, like Clifford’s Valentine’s Day.
6. Research the meaning behind Valentine’s Day.
Holidays provide a great opportunity to incorporate creativity and imagination with fun literacy-related activities to be enjoyed individually or as a family. Benefit from literacy by spending 15 minutes a day reading, writing, playing a game or following a recipe.
Great game: "No it wasn’t"
Here’s a great game that can spark an interest in plot and character. (And giggling and goofiness.) By Jennifer A. Nielsen A great road trip game is called “No, It Wasn’t.” It’s played with partners. One begins telling a story—any story. The other interrupts as often you like with, “No, it wasn’t”—or any […]
Play on Words – literacy action game
By Nancy Miller Here’s a fun activity that can take five minutes, or roll out to 10 or 15. The goal here is to have fun with words — and encourage your kid to get reading! Play on Words This activity uses three major learning styles: • visual: they see […]