Big Smiles. Little Moments. Lots of Learning!
Who says learning has to happen at a desk? Some of the best learning happens while riding in the car, preparing dinner, or spending time together as a family. Try these two simple games that build important reading skills while creating special memories!
Game 1: The Silly Word Detective
Skills: Rhyming, Listening & Early Reading
What You Need: Just your imagination!
How to Play:
1. Choose a simple word like cat, ball, or cake.
2. Ask your child to think of words that rhyme with it.
3. Take turns adding words to the list. Silly, made-up words count, too!
4. For an extra challenge, make up a funny sentence using your rhyming words.
Example: “The cat in the hat sat on a mat!”
Why It Works: Recognizing rhymes helps children hear the sounds in words an important building block for learning to read.
RISE Tip: Play while driving, waiting in line, or preparing dinner. No supplies needed!
Game 2: Thanksgiving Word Hunt
Skills: Vocabulary, Letter Recognition & Observation
What You Need: Everyday objects around your home!
How to Play:
Pick a letter, such as B. Challenge your child to find three things around the house that begin with that letter. Take turns naming the objects and saying their beginning sounds. For older children, ask them to spell or write the words.
Example: B is for book, blanket, and banana!
Thanksgiving Twist: Ask your child to find or name things associated with Thanksgiving, such as turkey, family, food, and thankful.
Why It Works: Connecting letters and sounds to familiar objects strengthens vocabulary, sound awareness, and early reading skills .
RISE Tip: Give lots of encouragement! Celebrate every effort, even when the answer isn’t quite right.