How to Make Reading Fun: 4 Engaging Literacy Games for Elementary Kids This Holiday Season
- Taylor Sofranko
- Dec 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 4
As I curl up with my well-worn copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the soft glow of holiday lights dancing around me, I can't help but reflect on the magic of reading. It's in these cozy moments—with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a cherished book in hand, and the gentle hum of family nearby—that I'm reminded of how powerful literacy can be.
Just last week, our family gathered around the kitchen table for our annual holiday Bananagrams tournament. Laughter erupted as we scrambled to create words, fingers flying, competitive spirits high. It struck me then: learning isn't confined to classrooms or structured lessons. Learning happens in these moments of connection, play, and pure joy.
Parents, if you're looking to sprinkle some educational magic into your holiday season, I've got just the thing. These literacy activities aren't just games—they're gateways to imagination, learning, and precious family memories.
Literacy Games for Our Youngest Explorers (PreK-2nd Grade)
1. The Letter Treasure Hunt
What You'll Need: Alphabet flashcards and a sense of adventure
Picture this: Your living room transforms into a magical exploration zone. Alphabet cards hide behind picture frames, peek out from under throw pillows, waiting to be discovered.
As your little one searches, you'll guide them with playful clues:
"What sound is in the beginning of the word 'ball?' Can you find the matching letter to that sound?"
"Can you discover the letter B?"
With each found letter, watch their eyes light up as they name new words. It's more than a game—it's a journey of discovery.
Why It Works: This adventure strengthens letter-sound recognition and expands vocabulary in the most delightful, active way possible.
2. Snowflake Word Building
What You'll Need: White paper, scissors, creativity
Transform your kitchen table into a winter word workshop. Cut delicate paper snowflakes, each adorned with letters. Challenge your child to create simple CVC words like cat, dog, or sun. Watch as they arrange and rearrange, their small fingers crafting linguistic puzzles.
Why It Works: This tactile activity transforms learning into play, boosting blending and decoding skills essential for early reading success.
Grab this resource here!
Literacy Games for Our Growing Word Wizards (3rd-5th Grade)
1. The Word-Building Challenge
What You'll Need: Paper, pencil, and boundless imagination
Choose a delicious, long word like celebration or friendship. Your mission? Uncover as many smaller words as possible. Add exciting twists:
Create words with three or more syllables
Categorize words into nouns, verbs, and adjectives
Watch as your child becomes a word detective, breaking down language's intricate puzzles.
Why It Works: This game is a brain-boosting workout that strengthens spelling, decoding, and vocabulary skills.
Grab this resource here!
2. The Vocabulary Jar of Wonder
What You'll Need: A jar, paper slips, and curiosity
When your child encounters challenging words in their daily reading, have them stop and discover the meaning! Encourage your reader to write down the tricky word and:
Look up its meaning
Craft a sentence
Create a drawing
Tell a story
Why It Works: This activity transforms learning into a daily dose of magic, expanding vocabulary and igniting creative expression.
Grab this resource here!
More Than Just Learning
These aren't just activities. They're bridges—connecting you to your child's developing mind, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Whether you're building words with snowflakes or exploring language through a magical jar, you're doing more than teaching literacy. You're creating moments of joy, discovery, and connection.
Looking for more resources? Check out our Ready, Set, Write! and Ready, Set, Trace! workbooks, packed with science-backed activities to support young readers and writers.
Your Turn: What literacy games bring magic to your family's learning journey? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Personalized Literacy Support
Struggling to support your child's reading journey? TAS Literacy is here to help! We offer personalized 1:1 tutoring sessions tailored to your child's unique learning needs. Whether your little one is just starting their reading adventure or needs extra support to build confidence, our targeted sessions can make a world of difference.
Let's unlock your child's reading potential—one word at a time.
Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!
Taylor Sofranko-Sutherland
Founder, TAS Literacy
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