Ideas Etc
This place is filled with ideas and free downloadables for story, play and special time with your kids or encouraging them to enjoy story/play time alone.
A Secret Place.
This is very special. Kids love reading in unique, hidden or unusual places. Whether it’s indoors or out, find an unusual place, take a few books and you’re creating magical story memories. Ideas for places include: covering the kitchen table with a blanket and sit underneath. Find a hidden spot in the bushes. In the pantry with the lights off and use a torch. A wardrobe. The bathroom with a rug on the floor. All in the bath. You get the picture. Make the special places quirky, fun and most of all surprising.
A Bag of What?
This is often very silly. Grab a pillow case and fill it with 20 random objects - toys, soap, cups, stones, cutlery, soft toys, figurines etc. Start the story by saying….”Once upon a time there was…” Then pull something out of the pillow case. Start the story with that object. Make up 2 - 3 sentences then another person takes a turn to pull one thing out of the pillowcase without looking. They choose by feel. That object must be then included in the story. And so it goes until you are all sillied out or you run out of objects.
A Snack with That.
Make or buy snacks which align with the story somehow. Incorporate them as a treasure hunt or give them out at a special point in the story. You could even make the snacks with the kids before hand. Or have the kids make them by themselves to surprise you. Could be hilarious!
A Cushioned Experience.
Grab every cushion in the place, including bed pillows. Throw them in the middle of the floor and jump onboard. Stories and cushions go together.
It’s Now a Musical.
Find some funny sound effects (eg hitting a saucepan lid with a wooden spoon) to add to the story as you read it. Each time a certain word is heard or a person is mentioned, have the assigned child hit the lid. Add multiple sound effects for a hilarious and memory making time. Other sound effect items are squeezing bubble wrap, a balloon deflating, blowing in your hands to make a trumpet sound.
Look at You.
Give everyone the challenge of dressing up like something in the story. It can be very simple by using hats, masks, scarves or just fabric draped like a cloak. Or you can be more elaborate and do full costumes for each person - especially if it’s a favorite, often repeated book.
Theme It.
Use what you have or head to the local library to pick a selection of books all on a theme - eg animals, school, food etc. Extend the theme by adding a few items of decor in the place you are reading, and even some snacks. That would be fun.
Bingo It.
Create some cards with the pictures of things in the book. Each child will need different cards. When they see the image in the book that matches their card, they have to place it in the middle pile. Consider whether you want winners and losers or not. If not, simply give each child the same set of cards and they both place them at the same time.
Wall Sticker Fun.
There are some great wall decals which can make fabulous story starters. Make sure they are removable and place them in various locations. The kids love pulling them off and sticking them on again. Make up a story using the stickers.
A Reading Cubby.
Use the furniture and blankets to create a cubby house. Have each child choose a story to read in the cubby house. Consider snacks and drinks too. Making the cubby house cozy and comfortable is easy with a few cushions and cardboard for a door. Try to make sure you can close it up so it’s like a hidden place.
And Then….
Have the children draw pictures of what happened after the story finished. Or they could write the next short chapter if they are old enough. Either way, place the pictures / new chapter into the book ready for the next time it’s read.