summary Learn more about different countries by planting a small herb garden and making authentic ethnic meals. Have your child keep a gardening journal to track the herb's growth progress. Source: Reading Is Fundamental

summary When your children want to play store, suggest that they stock soup cans or spices on make-believe grocery store shelves using the same system they do in many real stores-alphabetical order. Source: The RIF Guide

summary Kids create their own visual of a monster after reading a story's description. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Arts and Crafts AGES: 1-2 3-5 6-8 MATERIALS: Multiple TYPE: Indoor TIME OF DAY: Play Time:

summary Reward children's reading with an array of colorful stickers -- one for short books, two for longer ones if you like. The children collect their stickers in booklets they can later redeem for prizes. Source: The RIF

summary Teams of children sculpt clay to try to get their team to guess a familiar book title. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Arts and Crafts AGES: 3-5 6-8 9-12 MATERIALS: Multiple TYPE: Indoor TIME OF DAY: Play

summary Using the Internet, learn about the world's most spectacular and well-known sights, all without leaving your home! Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Arts and Crafts, Cultural Heritage, Games, Online AGES:

summary Children design their own squares to add to a collective quilt, which tells a story. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Arts and Crafts AGES: 3-5 6-8 9-12 MATERIALS: Multiple TYPE: Indoor, Outdoor TIME OF

summary Take a trip around your neighborhood to find items outdoors that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Source: Reading Is Fundamental CATEGORIES: Alphabet Learning, Arts and Crafts, Family Time, Games AGES: 1-2

summary Which comes first, the story or the pictures? Most of the time, the story comes first. Source: Time Together: RIF Family of Readers CATEGORIES: Ideas for Every Season, Reading AGES: 1-2 3-5 6-8 MATERIALS: Minimal

summary This activity will especially appeal to younger children who love to get their hands into something messy. Source: The RIF Guide to Encouraging Young Readers CATEGORIES: Alphabet Learning AGES: 1-2 3-5 MATERIALS: