Reading and writing improve fastest when children choose what they read and write about. These activities turn the holidays into a chance to read for fun, tell stories and play with words.
Mix quiet reading time with something creative, like a comic strip or a family play, and let your child's interests lead.
9 free activities
A printable bingo card of reading challenges — read in a cubby, read to a pet, read a comic — to keep books fun all holidays.
Indoor or outdoor · Printable · easy
You'll need: This page printed, Books from home or the local library, A pencil or stickers
Plan, draw and write a six-panel comic with a beginning, a problem and a satisfying ending.
Indoor · Printable · medium
You'll need: This page printed, or paper folded into six boxes, Pencils and colouring pencils
Roll a die three times to pick a character, place and problem, then tell or write the story.
Indoor or outdoor · Printable · easy
You'll need: One die, This page printed or read from the screen, Paper (for writing the story, optional)
Sixteen fun writing prompts to tick off over the holidays — from describing your perfect sandwich to writing a letter to your future self.
Indoor or outdoor · Printable · easy
You'll need: This page printed, A notebook or exercise book, Pencils and coloured pencils
Learn one interesting new word every day, then earn points for sneaking it naturally into family conversation.
Indoor · Interactive · easy
You'll need: A dictionary or thesaurus (print or online), Sticky notes or a small whiteboard, A pencil
Choose an idea worth fighting for, write a punchy two-minute pitch and deliver it to a family 'panel' who decide whether to say yes.
Indoor · Hands-on · challenging
You'll need: Paper and pen, or a device for typing, A timer, Palm cards (cut-up paper or index cards)
Take a notebook outdoors, collect words with all five senses, then write haiku and a shape poem inspired by what you find.
Outdoor · Printable · medium
You'll need: This page printed or a notebook, A pencil and eraser, Coloured pencils (optional)…
Turn a favourite story into a short script and perform it together — no memorising, no costumes required, just big expressive voices.
Indoor · Hands-on · easy
You'll need: A favourite picture book, fable or short story, Paper and pens, Highlighters (optional)…
Interview a grandparent or family elder about their childhood and life, then turn their stories into a timeline or keepsake to share.
Indoor or outdoor · Printable · medium
You'll need: This page printed, A notebook and pen, A phone or tablet to record audio (with permission, optional)…
