Tips for Traveling with Kids: Making Reading Fun
Discover engaging strategies to incorporate reading into your family travels. Make reading a delightful activity that enhances your children's learning while exploring the world.
Tips for Traveling with Kids: Making Reading Fun
As a parent, you might have experienced the challenge of keeping your kids entertained during long car rides or flights. It's a common frustration: you're halfway through a journey, and the kids are restless. While you might turn to screens for instant relief, consider harnessing the power of reading to create a fun, educational experience instead.
Imagine this: your family is on a road trip to the Grand Canyon. Instead of just passing the time, you could turn this opportunity into an adventure that sparks your children's curiosity and enhances their reading skills. Reading while traveling not only keeps kids engaged but also allows them to explore new ideas, cultures, and stories. Here are some actionable strategies to make reading an enjoyable part of your travels.
1. Choose Travel-Themed Books
Explore New Destinations Through Stories
One of the best ways to get your children excited about a trip is to introduce them to books related to your destination. For example, if you're visiting a national park, you might read The Great American Desert by Thea Feldman, which provides insights into nature and wildlife. This not only builds anticipation but also gives them context for what they will experience.
Studies from the International Literacy Association suggest that connecting reading to real-life experiences enhances comprehension and retention. When kids can relate a story to their surroundings, they are more likely to remember the key details and themes.
Create a Travel Reading List
Before your trip, create a travel reading list that includes a mix of fiction and non-fiction related to your destination. For instance, if you’re heading to Washington, D.C., consider including If I Ran the President by Dr. Seuss, which introduces children to politics in a fun and whimsical way. You can find more great suggestions in our list of travel books for kids.
2. Make Reading Interactive
Engage with Dialogic Reading
Traveling offers the perfect opportunity for dialogic reading, a technique that encourages discussion about the story. Ask open-ended questions while reading, such as "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why do you think the character made that choice?" This not only makes reading more engaging but also develops critical thinking skills.
According to research by Dr. Grover Whitehurst, children who engage in dialogic reading show significant improvements in vocabulary and comprehension. So, as you read together in the backseat, take the time to discuss the book and relate it to your travel experiences.
Use Travel Bingo
Transform reading into a game by creating a bingo card filled with items or themes from the books you’re reading. For instance, if you’re reading about different animals or landmarks, your kids can look for those in real life during your travels. This interactive approach makes reading a fun family activity and encourages kids to pay closer attention to both the books and the world around them.
3. Create a Reading Routine
Set Aside Dedicated Reading Time
During your travels, designate specific times for reading, such as during rest stops or at the hotel before bed. Establishing a routine helps children look forward to reading and reinforces its importance as part of their daily life.
You might say, "Let's read a chapter of our book about the Grand Canyon before we head out for our hike." This not only helps them connect with the story but also builds excitement for what they will see next.
Incorporate Reading into Downtime
Travel often comes with downtime—whether waiting at an airport or relaxing at a picnic spot. Use these moments to pull out a book. For example, while waiting for your flight, you could read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, which not only entertains but also educates your children about the great outdoors.
4. Leverage Technology
E-Readers and Audiobooks
If you're short on space in your luggage or want to carry a variety of books, consider using e-readers or audiobooks. Many apps allow you to download books that can be read on-the-go. Audiobooks can be especially helpful during long drives, as they keep the whole family engaged with the story.
Research from Stanford's Reading Lab indicates that listening to stories helps children develop language skills and enhances understanding, making it a perfect option for family travel.
Interactive Reading Apps
Several reading apps are designed to make reading fun and interactive for kids. Look for apps that offer gamified reading experiences, where children can earn rewards for completing chapters or answering questions about the story. This motivates them to engage with the material, even on the road.
5. Reflect and Discuss
Share Travel Stories Through Writing
Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal where they can reflect on their reading experiences and what they’ve learned from their travels. This not only reinforces their comprehension but also enhances their writing skills.
After reading a book related to your destination, ask them to write a short summary or draw a picture inspired by the story. This practice helps solidify their understanding and gives them a creative outlet.
Family Discussion Nights
After your trip, hold a family discussion night where everyone shares their favorite book and what they learned. This can be a fun way to recap your adventures and reinforce the connection between reading and real-life experiences.
For more strategies, see our article on Fun Family Activities for additional insights.
About the Author
Written by Kelly Farmer, an ESL educator with 22 years of experience teaching English in Japan. Kelly founded Jabble English schools and created the WeRead Method while teaching his own bilingual child.
Make Reading a Fun Family Adventure!
Incorporating reading into your travel routine not only keeps kids entertained but also enriches their learning experience. By using books to explore new places, you create lasting memories that your children will cherish.