Fun and Easy Games to Build Your Child’s English Reading Skills at Home
Looking for simple, engaging ways to help your child improve their English reading? Try these playful, at-home activities that require only everyday items you likely already have!
1. Name Tag Match
What you’ll need:
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Paper
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Pen or marker
Instructions:
Write the names of household objects (like table, door, chair, lamp, etc.) on small slips of paper. Tape the labels onto the corresponding items. Once your child has seen and practiced the names, remove the labels. Their task is to place each label back where it belongs. Do this regularly until they can confidently match all the words!
Why it works:
This activity supports word recognition, spelling, and vocabulary development — all key for early reading fluency.
Pro tip: Focus on a specific category of objects each week, such as kitchen items, toys, or clothing, to build themed vocabulary.
2. Surprise Words! (formerly “Got You!”)
What you’ll need:
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Small slips of paper
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Pen
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A bowl or jar
Instructions:
Write a mix of familiar and new English words (or simple sentences) on the papers. Add in a few labeled “Surprise!” slips. Players take turns drawing and reading the words aloud. If they read correctly, they keep the slip. If they pull a “Surprise!” card, they must say “Surprise!” and return all their collected words to the bowl. Play for 10–15 minutes — the one with the most slips wins!
Why it works:
This game boosts reading fluency, builds vocabulary, and adds a dash of excitement to word practice.
Pro tip: Gradually increase difficulty by adding short phrases or tricky words as your child’s reading skills grow.
3. Object Storytime (formerly “Story Teller”)
What you’ll need:
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A favorite children’s book
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Household items like figurines, bottle caps, rocks, toys
Instructions:
After reading a story together, gather a few objects that can represent characters or parts of the plot. Encourage your child to retell the story using these props as storytelling aids. For more advanced readers, have them write or draw their version of the story afterward.
Why it works:
Combines comprehension, creativity, and expressive language skills — all crucial for literacy development.
4. Word Hunt
What you’ll need:
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Sticky notes or cards with English words
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A timer
Instructions:
Hide the word cards around the house. Set a timer and have your child find and read as many words as possible before time runs out. Bonus points for using the words in sentences afterward!
Why it works:
This game turns reading into an active treasure hunt, enhancing word recognition and memory through movement.
5. Alphabet Detective
What you’ll need:
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Notebook or paper
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Pencil
Instructions:
Choose a letter (e.g., B). Ask your child to walk around the house and find items that start with that letter. They can write the word or draw the object. Extend the game by using a timer or challenging them to find items for the entire alphabet over the course of the week.
Why it works:
Great for phonics practice and beginning letter-sound awareness.
6. Silly Sentences
What you’ll need:
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Paper
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Pen
Instructions:
Write a few random nouns, verbs, and adjectives on separate slips of paper. Have your child draw one from each category and use them to create funny sentences (e.g., The purple goat dances on the roof!). Encourage them to read the sentence out loud.
Why it works:
Builds sentence structure awareness, vocabulary, and makes reading fun and silly.
Sample Vocabulary Words to Use:
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Apple
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Dog
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School
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Cup
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Ball
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Shoes
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Red
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Elephant
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Book
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Hat
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Fish
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Window
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Swing
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Flower
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Rain
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Car
