Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Here’s how to engage kids so they actually want to read at home
Winter break is a time kids look forward to — and so do we, as educators and caregivers!
No one can afford to lose ground, especially the more than two-thirds of elementary-aged learners already achieving below grade-level benchmarks. Thus, the first part of December requires intentional planning to ensure students don’t lose the reading skills they (and you!) have worked so hard to develop.
That’s why the literacy experts at Kids Read Now designed 9 Creative Ways to Boost Your Child’s Desire to Read More, a free resource packed with simple, fun ideas for keeping kids engaged in reading.
We know how hard you work to support your elementary-aged students year-round. This blog highlights tips tailored to both educators and families to make reading over winter break not just doable, but delightful.
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Why is it so important to keep kids reading over winter break?
When school routines pause, so does the structure that often keeps kids on track with their reading habits. This is especially true for struggling readers, who are at greater risk of losing ground during extended breaks. Research shows that regular reading is essential for maintaining vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic growth.
However, you don’t want this enjoyable time to result in a slide in achievement for your children. Without regular practice, students can experience a dip in vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and even confidence and self-esteem. Learning loss over winter break can have dire results for teachers and parents, too, like…
- Lost instructional time
- Reteaching school and home routines, with budgeted practice time
- A lack of motivation, so it’s more challenging to engage students
- Waning stamina, so reading sessions are shorter and shallower
- Reduced independence, so reading requires more adult support
Winter break, however, doesn’t have to create a gap. By making reading part of your winter break routine, educators and families can help students return to school ready to hit the ground running. The key is to offer engaging, low-pressure ways for kids to pick up a book — and enjoy it.
For Educators: A ready-made resource you can use tomorrow
As a Literacy Leader, you’re already thinking about how to set your students up for success. The guide is a ready-to-go resource you can share with families right away!
Here are just a few ideas for putting it into action:
- Send it home. Print copies of the guide or share it digitally via email or class websites. Include a note encouraging parents to pick two or three activities their child might enjoy over the break.
- Preteach before the break. Dedicate a quick lesson to introducing one or two activities from the guide. For example, you could walk students through creating a reading game board and send home printable game pieces for families to use.
- Pair with a book. If your students receive books through Kids Read Now or another program, attach the guide so families have immediate ways to make reading interactive and fun.
- Focus on choice. Remind families to let kids select books that interest them. Whether it’s a graphic novel, a mystery, or a book about dinosaurs, the right book can spark a child’s excitement.
By equipping families with this resource and a little direction, you’re increasing the chances that your students will keep reading over winter break. If in January they’re ready to pick up where they left off, everyone wins!
What will you change this year to end the trend of PreK-5 reading loss?
If you’re ready to make a difference, augment your existing curriculum, and get your students practicing their reading outside of school time, then Kids Read Now is ready to help. Our supplemental, in-home, independent reading program is research-based and proven to work.
The Resource: 9 Creative Ways to Boost Your Child’s Desire to Read More
Sneak peek time! Here are a few highlights from the downloadable guide to inspire caregivers at home to keep their kids reading over winter break.
Create a Cozy Reading Spot
Transform a small space into a magical reading nook. Add blankets, pillows, and maybe even some lights to make it a place kids want to curl up with a book.
Make a Reading Game
Turn reading into an adventure by creating a game board with challenges like “read under a blanket” or “find five new words in your book.” Kids can move pieces along the board as they complete each task.
Explore Real-Life Connections
Bring books to life by connecting them to activities. If your child loves books about animals, take a trip to the zoo or watch a wildlife documentary together. These connections make reading more meaningful and fun.
Watch a Movie Based on a Book
Pair reading with screen time by choosing a book with a movie adaptation. After watching, talk about the differences between the book and the movie to spark critical thinking.
Start a Family Book Club
Choose a book the whole family can read together. Afterward, discuss your favorite parts over hot cocoa or dinner. Shared reading moments create lasting memories.
For Caregivers: Make reading fun during winter break
As a parent, grandparent, or guardian spending time with kids over the break, you might be wondering how to keep them entertained — and learning. Reading is one of the best ways to do both, but it works best when it feels like play, not schoolwork.
The guide is full of fun ideas you can try at home. For instance, set up a “reading café” where kids can “order” books from a menu while sipping hot chocolate. Or let them take the lead by choosing books that match their interests, like sports, superheroes, or holiday stories.
The best part? These activities don’t require much time or effort. A little creativity can go a long way in keeping kids engaged and excited about reading.
BONUS: See how our new bilingual books support family engagement
Explore our entire selection of bilingual books, including the We Both Read series and more! Get details like author, summary, genre, and recommended grade level.
Read the blog here 👉 The Key to Supporting Bilingual Literacy in your Schools for 2024-2025
Discovery Sheets build deeper connections to keep kids reading over winter break
Every Kids Read Now book includes a Discovery Sheet — curated questions and prompts to help families discuss what they’re reading. These book-specific prompts are perfect for sparking conversations that build background knowledge, grow vocabulary, and improve language comprehension.
For example, after reading a story about animals, you might ask, “If you could be any animal in the book, which one would you choose and why?” Questions like this encourage kids to think critically while sharing their thoughts in a fun, relaxed way.
“When families engage in discussions about books, they’re not just building literacy skills — they’re creating moments of connection.”
Dr. Kristen Walter, Ed.D. | Executive Director, Kids Read Now
Common questions about keeping kids reading over winter break
Educators, you likely (and hopefully!) will get inquiries from your students’ families about specific ways to keep kids reading over winter break. Here are a few of the most common parent questions we hear, plus a quick and easy response you can copy and paste!
Q: How can I encourage my child to read without it feeling like homework?
A: Focus on choice and fun! Let kids pick books they’re excited about, and pair reading with activities like games, crafts, or family discussions.
Q: What if my child struggles with reading?
A: Start small with short books or read together. Audio books are also a great option for building vocabulary and comprehension.
Q: How can I make reading a family activity?
A: Try a family book club, play reading games, or simply share what you loved about a story. Kids are more likely to enjoy reading when they see it as a shared experience.
Let’s make literacy part of the tradition
Keeping kids reading over winter break doesn’t have to be hard. With creative strategies like setting up a cozy nook, playing reading games, and sparking conversations with Discovery Sheets, families can make reading a natural and fun part of their winter break traditions.
For educators, sharing resources like the 9 Creative Ways to Boost Your Child’s Desire to Read More guide ensures students stay engaged and ready for the new year. And for caregivers, these activities provide an easy way to create meaningful moments with the kids in their lives.
This winter, let’s work together to make reading part of the holiday magic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Let kids choose books that match their interests. Offer graphic novels, magazines, or books about their favorite topics. Adding fun activities like games or discussions can also help.
Answer: Provide information about local libraries, and encourage families to visit them. Many libraries offer free eBooks and audio books to borrow during the holidays. There are also countless digital options. While we know nothing can replace the experience and potential learning that comes from a physical book in-hand, online books can be helpful alternatives for families without access to hard copies, and can still promote compelling conversations among family members.
Answer: Send home Kids Read Now’s free resource, 9 Creative Ways to Boost Your Child’s Desire to Read More, with a note about how reading over winter break benefits students. Consider sharing it digitally through email or class websites for easy access.