Big People Reading Games for Kids

It is common knowledge that the reading habit is one of the important skills that kids are expected to acquire. We introduce kids to reading activities when we begin to read out stories to them. Later, fun reading games teach them to read alphabet and simple words. But what’s next? How can we as parents help kids take it to the next level? 

“25 - Little Reader” by Melanie Holtsman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Benefits of Reading

Let’s start by looking at how reading helps kids.

·         Reading helps build and expand the child’s vocabulary, which in turn enables kids to express various ideas and understand what others say.

·         To follow an idea as they read, kids need to develop focus and concentration.

·         Reading opens up their world in many ways as it exposes kids to cultures and ideas. It also frees their imagination.

·         It is entertaining, relaxing and is believed to improve health.

When we think about reading, we see it as an individual activity but that is not always the case. Before kids can reach this phase and even after they do, reading aloud brings along many benefits.

“88 - Shake it Baby!” by Melanie Holtsman is licensed under CC BY 2.0

How Reading Aloud Helps

Reading aloud is a great way for kids to build fluency and confidence. It holds their attention. Reading aloud helps them understand what they are reading better and improves their listening skills. Kids can improve their voice and diction by reading regularly. As they take in the sounds and syllables, they develop an inner radar for language and structure. Reading aloud can be especially beneficial if your child enjoys drama and public speaking.

So, how do we promote reading aloud to advanced learners?

“Milk and Cookies p11” by Thoth God of Knowledge is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Reading Games for Kids

Read-along stories and songs are one way to get kids to start reading aloud. There are plenty of apps available these days that promote reading. To make reading fun, children can read to a well-known tune. You can also try buddy reading, in which two or more kids can take turns in reading text. Story books with dialogues come in handy. You can assign characters to get the reading game rolling. This exercise also helps kids pay attention and listen so that they don’t miss the cue when it is their turn. They can take it up a notch by play acting and getting into character.

While reading is the primary skill that kids are picking up through reading activities, children also learn to listen and speak well.