Watching a child learn to read is incredible. One moment you aren’t sure they will ever get it, then suddenly it clicks. It has only been 18 months or so since we struggled to get K to read a few sight words, now she has advanced to chapter books. Chapter books, in the first grade!
She amazes me, and now she loves reading. (Now taking book suggestions!)
Last week I surprised her with a special treat – a Pajama Jam Reading Party. After school she arrived home to find a reading fort complete with a snack, a lantern, cozy PJs, stuffed friends and a stack of books. She shrieked with delight and curled up to read. (Note, I bought her new chapter books as part of the planned surprise, but I lost them in a “safe place” so she read old books. Then I found the books the next day. Oppse!)
Snuggled up with some of her favorite books on a rainy day, I was able to encourage an afternoon of reading quietly. She never asked for TV, she never even got up. Instead she read a stack of books for an hour. (Did I mention she couldn’t get a few sight words 18 months ago?)
Learning to read takes time, patience and a lot of practice. That’s why anything you can do to encourage your kids to focus on reading is so important. For my daughter creating a time and place to read that is as fun as the book is the recipe for extra reading time.
Because what kid doesn’t love to hang out in PJs in the middle of the day in fort?
After nap, little sister donned her PJs and joined in the fun. Although not a reader yet, she’s already picking up good habits from big sis who is always happy to read out loud to her.
Encourage your kids to read and make it a fun afternoon with your own Pajama Jam Reading Party. It can be as simple a solo party or you could invite a whole group of kids over to practice reading out loud.
You can get more ideas for hosting a Pajama Jam Reading Party including a recipe ideas, printable book, teaching aids by grade and more from EVEREADY®. If you aren’t regular fort builders, check out my DIY Fort Kit for more inspiration.
Plus you can help build your home library when you buy two specially-marked EVEREADY® Gold batteries. Just enter the codes from those special-marked EVEREADY® batteries online and select one of six available free books. Yes, free!
Make reading fun, and marvel in your child’s reading accomplishments!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.