Springtime is fast approaching, and with that comes school spring break. Whether your family plans to spend the week at home or traveling, here is a list of 6 activities to keep children engaged in literacy throughout the break from school.  

1. Play a Game as a Family

Playing games is a great way to build literacy skills. The conversation that goes on while playing games can help children build language. It also offers a chance to introduce new vocabulary words and phrases. For example:

• Have your child help read board game instructions. Help him follow each of the instructions.
• Playing word/letter related games, such as hangman and crossword puzzles, can provide lots of fun ways to practice spelling and reading.

2. Library Visit

Take the extra time with your children to become more familiar with the free resources your local library offers. Libraries offer children’s programs that support reading. In addition to books, you can also get access to technology and learning games.

3. Write About Outdoor Play

Connect playing and learning by getting outdoors. For example:

• Take your child to a neighborhood playground to have fun and get some physical exercise. When you get home, ask him to write about his favorite part of your time outdoors. If he is just learning to write, ask him to dictate a few sentences to you. Provide assistance with forming the sentences when needed.
• Spend time observing nature. Sit outside and watch birds, or study clouds in the sky. Help your child write down some words that describe his observations such as sounds he hears or movements he might see. Using the descriptive words, help him write a short poem.

Below you will find an example of a poem my children and I wrote together:

Spring is near. Can you hear?

Chirping of birds,

Running of kids,

Buzzing of bees.

Spring is near. Can you see?

Budding of plants,

Brightening of grass,

Opening of windows.

Spring is near. Can you feel?

Taking off of winter coats,

Feeling the warm sun,

Blowing of the wind.

4. Look for a Little Free Library

A Little Free Library is a small container of free books that can be exchanged within a community. These community sharing libraries help motivate readers, young and old. Use this map to see if there’s a little free library in your neighborhood. If so, talk to your child about a book she might like to donate to the library in exchange for getting a new book.

5. Write a Letter to a Favorite Author

Communicating with an author can be a fun way for a child to connect reading and writing. How to connect with an author:

• Have your child choose one of her favorite authors.
• Help your child write a letter to the author. The letter can include your child’s questions for the author. It also should discuss reasons she liked the author’s book(s), and perhaps how she made a connection to the story.
• Look for the author’s email address. The author’s personal website might have the email address listed. You also might be able to connect with the author through social media.
• If you can’t find information on how to connect with the author online, you can send a physical letter in the mail. Look inside the book for the publisher’s address, and address the letter to the author.

6. Record Your Own Audiobook

Let your child have a turn reading aloud by making an audiobook. How to create an audiobook:

• Have your child select a book he would like to record himself reading.
• Have him read the book to you a couple of times. Each time your child reads the book, have him try changing the voices for the characters or the way he uses expression when reading the sentences. Ask him if the different ways he read the book changed the meaning of the story.
• Record your child reading, using a tape recorder or a smart phone.
• Share his recording with a loved one.