Most parents know how important it is to read with their kids – especially during those critical years from kindergarten to 2nd grade when they’re learning phonics and first beginning to read independently.
And while there’s no replacing sitting down to read a favorite book, there are lots of additional opportunities to read with your kids that happen so often and pass by so quickly, you might wonder if they even “count” as reading. (Hint: They do!)
These micro-reading moments pack a powerful punch with new readers because they aren’t overwhelming like reading a whole book can sometimes be, and they show kids that reading is part of daily life – a practical skill that can open doors for them (literally) – instead of a skill that’s only used in a classroom.
Here are 10 micro-reading moments you can use to help build your child’s reading skills without even opening a book.
When they’re just learning letters and sounds:
Road Signs and Billboards
Ever play “The Alphabet Game” on a road trip? Well, for little ones who are just learning to identify their letters, that’s reading! When you’re driving, look for certain letters on road signs or billboards. If they already know the name of a place, like Walmart or Target, for example, point out the sign and ask them, “What letter does Target start with?” As they get better at letter identification, they may even be able to sound out short words like STOP, SLOW, etc.
License Plates
Our family vehicle is a black SUV, so it’s often a challenge to find our car in a large parking lot, like the one at the mall. So, how do we find it? We look for our license plate! When our kids were small, they loved to help! They knew our plates started with F, so every black SUV we passed was carefully checked. “Nope, that’s not us….it has a G, not an F!” It might have taken a little longer for us to get there, but they were always so proud of themselves when they found it, that they totally forgot to complain about getting in that car seat! Score!
Special Event Programs
When you’re waiting for a wedding to start or sitting through a loooong graduation, this one is a life-saver. Give your kid the program and challenge them to count how many of the students have names that start with a W. Or ask them how the bride and groom’s last name is spelled. Can they find a capital and lowercase version of each letter?
When they can sound out simple words:
Store Signage
This one works great in Walmart or any store that labels each aisle with the category of items located there. At first you’ll need to prompt them – some signs are so high up, most kids don’t even notice them! Point out a sign and say, “I think one of these aisles has cookies in it…which one is it?” Help them sound out the words, and let them pick the food off the shelf once they’ve found it!
Menus
Let your little ones read the kids menu and choose what they want. Many kids menus have pictures that can help if something is hard to sound out. Encourage them to read the words out loud. This also works at concession stands at sporting events or theaters (if there’s not a line waiting impatiently behind you!)
Simple Labels
This could be a button on an elevator, a “PUSH” sign on a door, or the instructions on a vending machine. Anytime there’s a word you think your child could potentially sound out, take the time to let them try!
When they are newly independent readers:
Food packaging/directions
When kids get to the point where they can read a bit more independently, having them read you the directions on a package of food (and help you prepare it!) is a great way to let them practice their reading skills. Recipes are great too!
Signs at a Zoo or Museum
When my son was 8, we visited the zoo and he discovered the plaques on each enclosure. He led me diligently around the reptile house reading me each sign and wondering at the amazing facts he learned. Of course, I was there to help with the big words (and to “oooh” and “aaahhh” at each amazing fact). He was so proud of himself, and he learned a lot too!
Video Game Captions
When our kids were in elementary school, we bought them a story based video game! Each new scene presented the player with a short on-screen prompt to read. They were highly motivated to read it to get to the next level. And hey, if they’re going to be having screen time, at least they’re also practicing their reading skills.
Text messages
You know you aren’t supposed to be on your phone while you’re driving anyway. So, hand over your phone and let your child read you that text message you just got from Dad—and even try texting him back!
The Bottom Line
Again, nothing can replace story time before bed or cuddling up on a snow day with a good book. But, when you add them all up, those tiny reading opportunities that seemed insignificant at first, can make a big impact.
Chelsea Tornetto 