Fun reading games can play an leading role in your child's education. It's true that some students just love to read from the very start. They don't have to be prompted to read. They have their nose in a book every chance they get.
But then there are other students, those who find reading dull and/or difficult. For those students, fun reading games can be just the spark they need to get on track with reading custom and skill development.
Here is one simple, goofy idea that can work well with elementary students, both at school and at home. In this game, students are asked to read simple facts on food packages, write it down, and then read an additional one student's answers.
Funny Food
This game is for 3-4 players, in grades 3-5. You'll need at least one empty food package. Try to pick packages from foods with short lists of simple ingredients. You'll also need a list of questions for each player. Your questions can include:
1) What's the name of the food?
2) What is it mostly made of?
3) Does it have to be cooked?
If so, for how long?
4) How many servings are in this package?
To play, each learner chooses one food package. He reads the box to find the answers to the questions. He writes these answers on his paper. When all the players have finished, they place their papers in a pile, mix them up and then take an additional one player's papers.
Now comes the indeed fun part! Each player takes a turn reading the questions and answers person else wrote, as if the answers were for her own package. For instance, Jada might have a box of instant mashed potatoes. Her actual ingredients are dried potatoes, salt, and flavoring. But she might end up with the paper written by person who had a box of chocolate morning meal cereal. Then she will read that her potatoes are made mostly of chocolate, wheat and sugar.
The game can be played some times as long as there are a collection of food packages from which to choose.
You can see how such a simple game idea, using everyday products, can indeed be a fun reading game!
As you teach your students and parent your children, be on the surveillance for more fun reading game ideas of your own. You'll be surprised at how many good ideas you'll find!
