World Book Day is just around the corner (6 March) so why not bring the fun of World Book Day home and help encourage a love of reading from an early age by introducing some great ways to ‘read your own way’.
1. Create a Cosy Reading Nook
- Set up a special reading corner with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights.
- Let each child pick their favourite book and read together as a family.
- If you have an audiobook subscription, play an audio version of a classic children’s book.
2. Storytelling Time with a Twist
- Instead of just reading, bring stories to life using puppets, stuffed animals, or role-play.
- Try a “story jar”: Write different story elements (characters, settings, problems) on pieces of paper, mix them up, and create a new story together.
- Use a flashlight and tell stories in a “campfire” style.
3. Book-Themed Treasure Hunt
- Hide books around the house and give clues related to their stories.
- Each time they find a book, read a page together before continuing the hunt.
- Offer a small prize (like a homemade bookmark) for completing the challenge.
4. Book-Themed Snack Time
- Make treats inspired by stories (e.g., Gruffalo Crumble, Green Eggs and Ham, or Harry Potter Butterbeer).
- Let the kids help in the kitchen to make the experience more interactive.
And don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to pull together a costume for your little if they need it for school celebrations! Here are some last-minute (and simple) ideas to consider:
- Matilda (from Matilda by Roald Dahl)
What you need: A blue dress, a red ribbon (for hair), and a book to carry.
- Sherlock Holmes (from Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle)
What you need: A brown or grey coat, a hat (flat cap or any detective-style hat), and a magnifying glass.
- Alice (from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll)
What you need: A blue dress, white apron, and a headband and a stuffed white rabbit.
- Fantastic Mr. Fox (from Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl)
What you need: Brown clothes, a scarf, and draw a fox nose & whiskers with face paint. Add some fox ears (made from paper or felt).
- Winnie-the-Pooh (from Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne)
What you need: A yellow or gold top and red T-shirt over it and carry a small honey pot.
