I think we can all agree that reading to and with our children is one of the best ways to help them grow as readers. But you don't have to read the same way each day. Here are a few fun reading challenges to try at home.

Read by Flashlight

My kids love it when we turn off all of the lights, close the blinds, and pull out the flashlights for reading. This is one that can be done in the classroom for special occasions, too.

Read Inside a Fort

I vividly remember building forts in our basement as a child. Now, I enjoy watching my own children's creativity come to life when building their own forts. Once that fort is built, it's a magical place to lie down and enjoy a stack of books.

Take Your Book Outside

When the weather is nice, we take advantage and head outside. There's something very relaxing about the warmth of the sun and the fresh air that makes me want to curl up with a book. Just don't forget the sunscreen! I usually let my kids decide if they want to read in a chair, on the back porch, or if they want to lie on a blanket in the grass. We usually have a picnic outside, too.

Snuggle Up in Bed

Okay, this one doesn't sound like much of a challenge since you're probably already doing bedtime stories with your kids. However, I'm talking about piling into a big bed together in the middle of the day to enjoy reading.

Have a Beach Day

Remember how I mentioned taking your book outside? When the weather doesn't cooperate, set up a beach day indoors. Put down some towels on the ground and dig out your sunglasses. Your kids can even wear swimsuits or summer clothes any time of year because this is an indoor beach party! As a bonus, you don't have to deal with the sand getting everywhere.

Read to a Pet or Stuffed Animal

Pets and stuffed animals never judge you as a reader. I loved using stuffed animals as book buddies in the classroom, so I figured it would be a great idea for the home, too.

Read with Silly Voices

Here's another challenge that can be done at school, at home, or even in the car. Challenge your kids to read their books using silly voices. Some of our favorites are robot, baby, monster, fancy voice, accents, speed reader, and slow turtle. This one usually gets my kids giggling!

Read to the Mirror

Kids love looking at themselves in the mirror and practicing their best silly faces, so add a few books and you're set for some entertainment! My kids love to pretend they are the teacher. They read a page, and then look at themselves holding the book up in the mirror for their students. You can even combine this with the silly voices for double the fun!

Listen to a Book Online

Even though I'm an adult, I still love to listen to someone read to me (thank goodness for audio books). You can keep story time fresh and new with some online read alouds. One of my favorite sites is Storyline Online (free, no subscription needed). Another great site is TumbleBooks (this one is subscription based).

Make a Reading Video

Kids are so used to seeing adults reading and sharing books with them. Now's the chance to flip the switch and let your child be the star. Have your child choose a familiar book and set up the area where filming will take place. When finished, you can even share these videos with family or their teacher.


Are you ready to try some of these challenges at home? Click here to download your free printable.

by Storie