Fun and Engaging Ideas for Kids
Ah, winter break! It is the time of year when kids are thrilled for snow days, holiday treats, and a well-deserved break from school. But let’s be honest — while kids are excited, parents are left scrambling for ways to keep them entertained without resorting to endless screen time.
If you’ve ever heard your child say, “I’m bored!” more times than you can count, here’s a simple solution: keep them reading! Books can transport children to faraway lands, introduce them to fascinating characters, and spark their imagination all while keeping their minds sharp during the break.
But how do you make reading fun and engaging, especially when there are so many other distractions? No worries! We’ve got you covered with some creative ways to turn reading into a thrilling winter break activity.
Read, Watch, & Discuss
Have you ever noticed how kids love watching movies over and over again? Let’s use that to our advantage! Find a book that has been made into a movie and turn it into an interactive experience.
- First, read the book together, either out loud or independently.
- Next, watch the movie version as a fun reward.
- Finally, have a family discussion! Talk about what was different between the book and the movie. Which version did they like better? What scenes were left out or changed? Why do you think the director made those choices?
This activity isn’t just fun – it also builds critical thinking skills and helps kids understand storytelling on a deeper level. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to snuggle up with some popcorn and enjoy a cozy movie night!
Story Time Conversations
Books aren’t just for reading but for talking about, too! After your child finishes a book, dive into a conversation about their thoughts and feelings:
- What did they like or dislike about the story?
- If they could change one thing, what would it be?
- Which character would they love to meet in real life?
- How do they think the story would continue if there were a sequel?
By encouraging your child to share their thought, you’re helping them connect with books on a deeper level. Plus, you might be surprised by their creative ideas!
Bring Stories to Life with Drawings
If your child loves to doodle, this activity is a must-try! After reading a book, have them draw a picture of their favorite scene or character. It’s a great way for them to express their imagination and bring the story to life in their unique way.
Want to take it a step further? Ask them to:
- Create a comic strip of the story.
- Design a new book cover with their own artwork.
- Sketch what happens after the book ends.
These activities help boost creativity and give kids a fun way to engage with their reading beyond the pages of a book.
Get Moving with Active Reading
Reading doesn’t have to be a quiet, sit-still activity. If your child has extra energy to burn (and, honestly, they probably do), try making reading interactive and playful.
Here are a few fun ways to do it:
- Word Jumps: Choose a “special word” in the book. Every time they hear it, they have to jump, clap, or spin in a circle.
- Act It Out: Read a scene and have your child pretend to be the characters, acting out the dialogue and actions.
- Reading Relay: Take turns reading a book out loud – one person starts, then hands it off like a baton when they finish a paragraph or page.
By turning reading into a full-body experience, kids stay engaged and entertained without realizing they’re learning.
Try Fun Reading Tools
Sometimes, the right tools can make all the difference! If your child struggles with focus, pronunciation, or comprehension, consider using reading aids to make the process more enjoyable.
Toobaloo – A cool-phone-shaped device that helps kids hear themselves read out loud, improving fluency and confidence.
Eye Lighter – A simple but effective tool that highlights text to help kids track their reading without getting lost on the page.
With the right tools, reading becomes less of a struggle and more of an adventure.
Let the Reading Adventure Begin!
This winter break, don’t let boredom take over; let books be the escape! Whether they’re diving into a magical fantasy, solving a thrilling mystery, or learning about the world around them, reading keeps kids entertained while sharpening their minds.
So the next time your child sighs, “I have nothing to do,” hand them a book and say, “Let’s go on an adventure!” You might just be surprised by how much fun they have.
Now grab some cozy blankets, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy the magic of reading together. Happy reading!
