10 Ways to Incorporate Reading with Kids During the Winter Months
By KeriAnne N. Jelinek
Here are 10 ideas to get those kids reading in your classroom, home, or anywhere during the winter months:
1. Winter-Themed Reading Nooks
Create an inviting reading nook within the classroom, complete with plush pillows, warm blankets, and winter-themed decorations. This cozy corner will make reading time feel extra special. You can also feature winter-related books to get students in the seasonal spirit.
2. Seasonal Reading Challenges
Set up winter-themed reading challenges or contests to engage students. Create reading logs or bookmarks that they can use to track their progress. Offer small rewards or recognition for those who reach specific reading milestones. This not only encourages reading but also helps develop a sense of accomplishment.
3. Guest Readers
Invite guest readers to share winter-themed books with your class. These readers could be parents, community members, or self-published authors. Listening to different voices can make reading more exciting and provide new perspectives on the texts.
4. Author Studies
Select a winter-themed children's author and conduct an author study in the classroom. Read several of their books, learn about their life, and discuss common themes in their works. This will introduce students to the joy of following an author's body of work.
5. Winter Book Clubs
Form winter book clubs where students can choose a book to read together. Encourage them to have group discussions and share their thoughts, fostering critical thinking and social interaction. Provide snacks and hot cocoa for an extra cozy touch.
6. Snowy Storytelling
Encourage students to write and illustrate their own winter-themed stories. They can share their creations with the class or even publish a class anthology. This activity promotes creativity and a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
7. Themed Read-Alouds
Select winter-themed picture books for read-aloud sessions. You can link these stories to other subjects, such as science (studying snowflakes and weather) or history (learning about famous winter events or figures). This interdisciplinary approach makes reading more meaningful.
8. Virtual Author Visits
Consider organizing virtual author visits, where authors can interact with your students via video calls. This can be a special opportunity for students to ask questions and connect with the creators of the books they love.
9. Winter Book Displays
Change up your classroom library displays to showcase winter-related books. The visual appeal of these displays can spark interest and enthusiasm for reading. Consider rotating the display as the season progresses to keep the selection fresh.
10. Family Reading Nights
Host a family reading night during the winter months. Invite parents and guardians to join in for an evening of reading, storytelling, and winter-themed activities. This strengthens the home-school connection and reinforces the importance of reading.
Incorporating reading into elementary classrooms during the winter months can be a delightful and educational experience for both students and teachers. These creative approaches not only foster a love for reading but also add a sense of warmth and wonder to the learning environment. By embracing the magic of winter through books, you can instill a lifelong passion for reading in your young learners.
Happy Winter Reading!
Written by KeriAnne N. Jelinek for Sloth Dreams Books & Publishing, LLC.
Written: October 23, 2023
KeriAnne N. Jelinek is a bestselling children's author, book consultant, children's book self-publishing expert, book marketer, educator, and holds over 25 years of teaching experience. She loves the fall and enjoys reading fall books with her daughter. She is the owner, founder, and CEO of Sloths Love to Read Podcast, and Sloth Dreams Books & Publishing, LLC.
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