Whether you’re headed over the river or through the woods this Thanksgiving, holiday travel can present some great oppportunities to develop your kids’ reading skills through playing some simple games together. I know, there’s a lot going on when you’re traveling, and it’s tempting to put book on the back burner, but these fun and simple activities can mean improved literacy. Bloggers Amy Mascott (Teach Mama) and Allison McDonald (No Time for Flash Cards) are both moms and educators, so they get it. And they’re sharing their wisdom that comes from a lot of time in the classroom as well as keeping the backseat entertained, in the recently released book Raising a Rock-Star Reader.

Raising a Rock-Star Reader provides parents 75 daily “quick tips” to help raise lifelong readers including: on-the-road activities, full booklist suggestions (toddlerhood to grade school) and hands-on craft activities for even the busiest parents, grandparents or caregiver. It includes 10 curated, age-appropriate booklists, music suggestions, app recommendations, web resource lists, and online activity sheets to download and print.

The on-the-road activities are easy, which is great because we all need easy at the holidays. Here are some fun games to play while on the go:

• Clap out family names: Practice syllables by clapping out the names of family, friends, and even pets.
• I spy the letter: Challenge children to a letter hunt while on the go – at the grocery store, spotting street signs while riding in the car, or reading the menu at a restaurant.
• Tell popcorn stories: Share little stories using whatever pops into the storyteller’s head. Start the story off with, “Once upon a time, there was a…” and see where it goes.
• Go on a book walk: Grab a favorite picture book and have the child retell the story in his or her own words. Use pictures and words as cues to build reading skills. (I thought this was a great way to have a book you bring with you on your trip do double duty).
  

“Even the busiest parent, grandparent, or caregiver can find time to try a great ‘quick tip’ or reading activity from Raising a Rock-Star Reader,” said Tara Welty, Group Editorial Director, Scholastic Teacher Resources. “Scholastic is thrilled to bring Amy and Allison’s passion for literacy to parents everywhere and to show them how easy, fun, and totally doable it is to help their children discover the joy of reading.”

I got to hear Amy and Allison talk at Social Media on the Sand, and their passion for helping kids become great readers, and kids who love to read and learn, was inspiring. Getting kids ready to read and write is feasible and can be a lot of fun for both adults and kids, no matter where your travels make take you.

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