Teaching Reading with Games and Toys
Move over worksheets; there’s a new arsenal of tools in the toolkit for teaching reading. And they come in the form of games and toys! From alphabet blocks to jigsaw puzzles, these playful tools can help kids learn to read while having fun. Break out the games and get ready to boost reading skills.
From phonics-based flashcards to interactive electronic readers, you can find something that fits everyone’s needs and interests. Try out different activities to see which works best. Here are some of the best toys for helping kids learn how to read.
Toys and Games for Teaching Reading
- Magnetic Letters – These colorful letters allow kids to practice forming words on their own terms as they become accustomed to what each letter looks like and its sound. It’s also fun when they get creative and make up their own words!
- Flashcards – Phonics-based flashcards are great for teaching the basics of reading, such as letter sounds and sight words. Plus, they’re super portable and can be used anywhere! They can easily be turned into games like go fish and matching or used with popular board games. Have students read or answer before taking their turn in the game.
- Storybooks – Reading stories together is an excellent way to teach new words and develop reading comprehension skills. It also helps that these books often come with colorful illustrations, making them even more fun to read!
- Board Games – Board games can help children learn to read while they have fun. You can repurpose almost any board game by adding some flashcards or questions for players to answer as they play the game.
- Electronic Readers – These devices are a great way to introduce your child to technology while teaching them how to read. Many readers also offer audio support or games, so there’s something for everyone!
Favorites
Here are some favorite toys and games for teaching reading to add to your collection.
LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
Play with 26 interactive alphabet tiles! Sing along to fun learning songs and explore the world of A to Z with colorful letter tiles that talk, sing and teach about the alphabet
This is a complete learning system that magically brings books to life with audio and then enhances the learning with corresponding 3D-like animations. Little learners can progress from preschool to first grade with over 25 activity books, including two Learn to Read book sets
Kids will be buzzing with excitement over this fun, fast-past reading game. With five levels of play, kids will learn reading, spelling, and vocabulary skills in an exciting and silly way, all while gaining confidence and fluency in reading.
Get this set of printable board games that can be used with any set of flashcards. You can easily create over 25 themed games that focus on the skills your kids are learning. Teaching reading has never been more fun than when use this Games Galore Bundle.
Dusty and Friends Coloring and Activity Book about Friendship makes a great gift. It has hours of activities and fun for kids and their friends.
Bingo is always a hit! These are not your everyday bingo games. Check out over 10 bingo games that use the science of reading to teach decoding and phonemic awareness.
Establish healthy reading habits – kids read, on average, more than an hour a day when they sit down with their Kindle. Kindle Kids is purpose-built for reading (not a toy)—no apps, videos, or games.
Check out these posts for more great ideas.
Hot Toys and Fun Games for Reading
Bingo Activities for Phonemic Awareness
Although there are many toys and games on the market that aim to teach reading, it is important to find effective ones. Not all products work for every child, so be sure to do your research and find the right fit for your reader. Once you have found a game or toy that helps, make sure to stick with it! Consistent practice is key when it comes to learning anything, including reading. Have fun while teaching this valuable skill!
Have Fun!
