Throughout the past month, I shared with you fun, free summer activity that will get your kids reading, encourage spelling, grammar, phonemic awareness and reading. and writing. This week I'll share an idea that will have them realize the usefulness of reading.
Dear Gaila,
Summer is around the corner. Since I'm off with them anyway, I'd like to take advantage of the vacation and encourage their reading and writing in English skills. On the other hand, it's vacation! I want them to enjoy their time. Do you have any creative ideas to do with them?
Desperate-For-Ideas Mom
Dear D.F.I. Mom,
In the past few weeks your children have improved their English skills. You should be seeing the results now in the small things - a richer vocabulary, better spelling and so on. However, what is the point of teaching our children to read if they do not see a use for it?
Earlier this month, I had three of my grandchildren over for two days of "Grandma Camp". I made a great activity for them that was so much fun. A few minutes of work created hours of fun, and by having a scavenger hunt they can see the point of reading English.
Creating a scavenger hunt is super easy. Decide where it will be (indoors/outdoors/mall etc.) and make a list of objects they need to find. Depending on their age, the objects can be hard to find or applicable to many handy objects. Hand the hunters the list. They can team up together or race each other.
Be sure that the instructions have words they can read, or if it is difficult repeat that one word several times. Go over the instructions with them, or at least point out the hard words. Now let them get busy while you enjoy the peace and quiet!
When the kids are back with their bounty, be sure to sit with them and make a show of ticking off each clue and commenting on how it really fits the bill! There can be a prize at the end - but the fun of the hunt is the real goal.
Enjoy your summer vacation!
Gaila
Gaila has almost 40 year of experience teaching and runs A.H.A.V.A., a non-profit to promote English literacy. Would you like to ask Gaila a question? Email us at ahava.org@gmail.com or send us a message. Look out for more Dear Gaila columns