Books and storytelling are magical keys that can unlock a world of fun and interactive experiences. By turning reading into a playful activity, parents, caregivers, practitioners, and teachers can sprinkle a bit of joy and imagination into learning for kids of all ages. Let’s dive into some creative ways to make reading an exciting, playful adventure! 

Play is the Name of the Game 

Play isn’t just for fun – it’s a powerful way to learn! Research shows that play boosts cognitive skills, emotional growth, social abilities, and language development. The LEGO Foundation’s study on playful reading reveals that adding play to reading can supercharge engagement and learning. And with schools often cutting down on playtime, especially for older kids, it’s more important than ever to keep the fun alive. 

Fun-tastic Reading Tips for Different Ages 

Infants and Toddlers (0-3 Years) 

• Sensory Books: Books with textures, flaps, and pop-ups are like little treasure chests waiting to be explored. They make reading a hands-on adventure. 

• Interactive Storytelling: Mix in songs, rhymes, and silly actions. Act out animal sounds or movements from the story to keep those tiny tots giggling and engaged. 

• Parent-Child Bonding: Make reading time all about snuggles and eye contact. Use funny voices and exaggerated expressions to make the story come alive. 

Preschoolers (3-5 Years) 

• Role-Playing: Turn your living room into a stage! Let kids act out scenes with simple props and costumes. It’s dress-up with a literary twist. 

• Story Extensions: Keep the fun going after the last page. Read a book about animals? Create a mini zoo with stuffed animals or draw your own animal characters. 

• Q&A Time: Ask open-ended questions about the story. It’s like a mini game show that boosts thinking and understanding. 

Early Elementary (6-8 Years) 

• Book-Related Crafts: Combine reading with arts and crafts. Just read a space adventure? Build a cardboard rocket ship and blast off into creativity. 

• Interactive Book Apps: Digital books with games, puzzles, and animations turn reading into an all-out adventure. 

• Reading and Building: Pair stories with physical activities. Read about architecture, then build your own structures with blocks or LEGO bricks. 

Older Elementary (9-12 Years) 

• Choose Your Adventure: Let kids be the hero of their own story with books that offer choices and different endings. 

• Storytelling Workshops: Encourage kids to write and illustrate their own tales. It’s a creative explosion waiting to happen! 

• Book Clubs and Discussions: Get kids talking about books with friends. They can share opinions, debate endings, and connect stories to their own lives. 

Bringing Tech and Media into the Mix 

• Augmented Reality (AR) Books: AR books make characters and scenes jump off the page in 3D, turning reading into a high-tech treasure hunt. 

• Storytelling Apps: Apps like Storybird or Book Creator let kids craft their own digital stories. It’s storytelling for the tech-savvy generation. 

• Digital Storybooks: eBooks with interactive features like read-aloud options and mini-games make reading a multimedia delight. 

Engaging Parents and Caregivers 

• Modeling Reading Fun: Parents should show their love for reading by sharing their own book adventures and setting up family reading times. 

• Creating a Reading Routine: Make reading a cozy habit, whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet afternoon escape into a book. 

• Collaborative Reading: Encourage parents to read with their kids, taking turns and chatting about the story along the way. 

Exploring ISSA Reading Corner Kits: Activities to Spark Curiosity and Learning 

The International Step by Step Association (ISSA) offers a wealth of resources designed to make reading a magical and educational experience for children. Their Reading Corner Kits are not just books—they are gateways to engaging activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. Here are some highlighted activities and topics from the ISSA Reading Corner Kits that will make you eager to dive deeper and get these wonderful books for your children. 

Selected Stories and Activities to Inspire 

1. "You Are Really A Good Friend of Mine" by Laura Liliom 

• Story Overview: This heartfelt story explores the enduring friendship between two children who live far apart but stay connected through letters, phone calls, and shared memories. 

• Activity: Encourage your child to write a letter or draw a picture for a distant friend or family member. Discuss how staying in touch keeps relationships strong despite physical distance. 

2. "I Know Why the Blackbird Sings" by Makvala Gonshvili 

• Story Overview: Marie and her grandfather care for a blackbird with a broken wing. Through their efforts, Marie learns why birds sing and discovers the importance of freedom and natural habitat. 

• Activity: Create a bird feeder together and observe the birds that visit. Discuss the different songs and behaviors of the birds, fostering a love for nature and empathy for living creatures. 

3. "What’s the Time?" by Valentina Lungu 

• Story Overview: Sanda learns to tell time using natural indicators like shadows, animals, and the position of the sun while spending a summer with her grandmother. 

• Activity: Make a simple sundial with your child and use it to tell time throughout the day. This hands-on activity connects storytelling with practical learning about time and nature. 

4. "Moush Wants to Get Lost" by Rousanna Baghasaryan 

• Story Overview: Moush, feeling neglected, decides to run away but soon realizes the importance of family and returns home. 

• Activity: Have a family discussion about feelings and the importance of communication. Use role-playing to explore different emotions and how to express them constructively. 

5. "The Doll That Flew Away" by Kh. Batkhuu 

• Story Overview: A young girl borrows her friend’s favorite doll and learns a valuable lesson about honesty and friendship when she decides to return it. 

• Activity: Encourage your child to create a story about a borrowed item and its journey back to its owner. This helps develop narrative skills and an understanding of responsibility and honesty. 

6. "Kaleidoscope" by Gordana Mishevska 

• Story Overview: Dora uses her kaleidoscope to cope with her emotions when she feels neglected after her baby brother is born, learning about her unique place in the family. 

• Activity: Make a simple kaleidoscope with household items and use it as a tool to discuss feelings and family dynamics. This craft activity supports emotional literacy and family bonding. 

7. "The Icicle" by Valery Voskoboinikov 

• Story Overview: Alex wants to give his mother a special birthday present but learns that the best gifts come from the heart. 

• Activity: Discuss the value of non-material gifts and create a “coupon book” with your child offering services like hugs, chores, or special time together as presents. 

8. "Faster" by Gerda Sula 

• Story Overview: Gary learns about measuring time with a chronometer and discovers the joy of self-improvement rather than competition with others. 

• Activity: Use a stopwatch to time different activities and encourage your child to beat their own records, fostering a sense of personal achievement and goal-setting. 

9. "A Mango for Grandpa" by Caroline Hudicourt 

• Story Overview: A touching story about a grandchild's love and efforts to bring joy to their ailing grandfather by picking and sharing mangoes. 

• Activity: Cook a simple mango recipe together and share stories about family traditions. This activity connects culinary skills with cultural and familial appreciation. 

Why Get the ISSA Reading Corner Kits? 

These kits are more than just a collection of books; they are comprehensive learning tools that provide a variety of activities to engage children in meaningful ways. Each kit includes: 

• Developmentally Appropriate Stories: Tailored to specific age groups, the stories are engaging and relevant to children's lives. 

• Interactive Activities: Designed to extend learning beyond the book, these activities encourage creativity, critical thinking, and practical application of concepts. 

• Multilingual Options: Books are available in multiple languages, making them accessible to a diverse audience. 

By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you not only foster a love for books but also create enriching learning experiences that support your child’s development in multiple areas. 

Where to Purchase 

To explore more and purchase the ISSA Reading Corner Kits, visit the following links: 

• ISSA Reading Corner Kits for Children 2-3 Years 

• ISSA Reading Corner Kits for Children 4-5 Years 

• ISSA Reading Corner Kits for Children 6-8 Years 

Transform your story time into a magical adventure with ISSA’s Reading Corner Kits and make learning a joyous journey for your children! 

---

In partnership with LEGO Foundation and UNICEF, ISSA is committed to protecting children's right to play. Together, we are supporting parents and caregivers to engage in Playful Parenting.