Encouraging Reading During Winter Break

Tips for Cozy, Fun, and Engaging Family Reading Time.

Winter break is a wonderful time to slow down, enjoy family time, and dive into the world of books. With cold weather keeping us indoors, there’s no better time to encourage kids to cozy up with a good story. Here are some tips to make winter reading both fun and inviting for your children.

1. Set Up a Cozy Reading Corner

Creating a cozy reading space at home can make reading even more enticing for kids. Here’s how you can set up the perfect spot:

• Choose a quiet nook: Find a corner of the house that’s away from distractions like TV or noisy areas. This could be a corner of the living room, a child’s bedroom, or even a small area in the hallway.
• Add soft seating: A comfy chair, bean bag, or pile of pillows can make the space feel inviting. If your child loves to snuggle, a warm blanket or soft throw can make the area even cozier.
• Good lighting is key: Make sure there’s plenty of light so kids can read comfortably. A small lamp or string lights can add to the cozy atmosphere and make the space feel special.
• Stock up on books: Keep a basket or shelf of books within easy reach. Include a variety of genres and topics to keep kids interested, and don't forget to add winter-themed stories!

2. Stock Up on Winter-Themed Books

Winter is a season full of wonder, and there are so many beautiful books that capture its magic. Make winter reading extra special by stocking up on books that explore the themes of snow, cold weather, and cozy winter activities. Here are some winter-themed book ideas:

• “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: This classic story about a young boy exploring a snowy world is perfect for little ones.
• “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson: A fun story about animals coming together in a warm cave while Bear sleeps through the winter, ideal for preschoolers and early readers.
• “Winter is Here” by Kevin Henkes: A beautifully illustrated book that captures the essence of winter through the eyes of children and animals.
• “The Mitten” by Jan Brett: A beloved tale of animals seeking warmth inside a mitten, with intricate illustrations that are a joy to explore.

For older readers, you might consider books that involve winter adventures, such as:

• “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: A classic that takes place in a wintery world ruled by the White Witch.
• “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: For more adventurous readers, this story of survival in the wild offers a perfect way to dive into a gripping, wintery setting.

3. Winter Reading Challenge or Family Book Club

To make reading more exciting during winter break, why not turn it into a fun family activity? Here are some ideas:

• Winter Reading Challenge: Create a reading challenge for your family. Set a goal of how many books you’d like to read by the end of winter break, and track your progress with a chart. For extra fun, you could create categories like "Read a book with snow in it" or "Read a story set in the winter woods." For each challenge completed, offer a small reward—maybe an extra treat or a fun winter activity.
• Family Book Club: Set aside time each week for a family reading session where everyone reads a chapter of the same book aloud. Afterward, discuss the story together. You could also take turns choosing books or pick a winter-themed book to read together.

For a more interactive experience, consider using some fun reading prompts or questions to spark conversations. Ask questions like, “What would you do if you were stuck in a snowstorm?” or “How would you feel if you were a character in this winter story?”

4. Find Winter Story Walks

Story walks are a wonderful way to combine reading with outdoor fun. Many parks and nature trails feature story walks, where pages from a children’s book are displayed along the trail, allowing families to read as they walk. This can be a fun way to get some fresh air while enjoying a story together.

To find a story walk near you, check out local libraries, nature centers, or community centers. Many places offer these types of walks in wintertime, making it a perfect family outing during the break.

5. Embrace Winter Themed Craft and Activity Ideas

Combine reading with fun winter crafts to extend the joy of the stories you’ve read. For example:

• After reading “The Snowy Day,” you could make your own snowflakes or create a winter wonderland scene with cotton balls.
• If you read “Bear Snores On,” have a cozy "bear cave" day where kids can create their own caves with blankets and pillows, then read inside!

These activities can extend the connection to the story and make the experience even more memorable.

Winter break offers the perfect opportunity to foster a love of reading in a cozy, relaxed environment. Whether you set up a reading nook, dive into winter-themed books, embark on a family reading challenge, or explore outdoor story walks, there are plenty of ways to make reading a central part of the season. By encouraging kids to embrace books in fun and engaging ways, you’ll create lasting memories that will keep them connected to reading long after the snow melts.