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That Ole Book Magic

Cast a spell with these easy activities from FamilyFun

In This Article

Ages Three to Five

This is a magical age. You'll never 3 to 5

again have children so willing to curl up with you for storytime, play pretend games centered around books or practice early writing skills by drawing with markers and crayons. If your child seems ready, try some early phonics or word-recognition games, but don't push it; it's far more important at this stage for your child to love anything to do with books. Early reading skills can come later.

PUT ON A TEDDY BEAR PICNIC

Have everyone bring a favorite teddy bear (or other stuffed animal) to a picnic in the park. The children push their teddy bears down the slides or on the swings, and when everyone starts looking a little tired, bring out some tasty bear food (I'm told bears like honey sandwiches on whole wheat bread) and some favorite teddy bear books. The children and teddy bears can listen to stories while munching.

Some popular bear titles include the CORDUROY books by Don Freeman, the PADDINGTON books by Michael Bond, the BERENSTAIN BEARS books by Stan and Jan Berenstain, and the WINNIE-THE-POOH books by A. A. Milne. Or have a pet picnic with favorite toy dogs or cats and read books like CLIFFORD, THE BIG RED DOG by Norman Bridwell or THE SHY LITTLE KITTEN by Cathleen Schurr.

OFFER HOLIDAY BOOK SPECIALS

Children love holidays--and they love the TV specials that mark each holiday. Help some of that excitement spill over into reading by creating a holiday "book special": Visit a bookstore or library and search out good holiday books.

Make reading really special with seasonal snacks and perhaps even costumes. Your own little ghost could dress up in his costume for a reading of ARTHUR'S HALLOWEEN by Marc Brown. Or your daughter could help Blue and her friends make valentines in BLUE'S VALENTINE'S DAY by Deborah Reber. After a big Thanksgiving dinner, curl up with your children and read THE BEST THANKSGIVING DAY (Winnie-the-Pooh) by Anna Braybrooks.

ADDITIONAL EARLY READING ACTIVITIES

• Label furniture and objects around the house with colorful name tags.

• Help your child guess which letters the words for common objects start with.

• Make up very simple shopping lists with only three or four words (store, bank, library) that your child can cross off as each chore gets done. Gradually add more words.

• Speak in silly rhymes. "Oh, look, a bee! Will it hit a tree? Or land on my knee . . ."

• Create a special reading corner near where the family congregates and designate it "Maria's Reading Corner." Fill it with a comfy chair or pillow, as well as some friendly stuffed animals or dolls for company. A small bookshelf or a special box that your child decorates herself could hold her favorite books.