My kids love to read, but every so often, they need an extra boost to get and stay excited about reading. When that happens, we make a reading star book counting chain. My 5 year old and 8 year ask for this activity every summer, so much, that it has now become a family tradition.
The reading star book counting chain
- is easy for kids to help make.
- is FUN to add chains to.
- encourages daily reading.
- sneaks a little handwriting and fine motor work in.
- highlights the title of the books read.
- provides an opportunity to go back and talk about the books read.
I have to admit. We go strong and add new books in for a good 2 weeks, and then my interest wanes a little bit. The kids keep their starts up and add to it for a good 2 months off and on. I’m hoping to have an end of the summer book family book party where we take the chains off and have a books we have read countdown.
My toddler has also requested a star of his own now too. Who can resist a toddler’s pleading eyes? I let him scribble on a star and we are going to do a Read-to-Me Star Book counting Chain for him.
Make a Reading Star Book Counting Chain
Learning Objective: Record and discuss picture books that have been read to or the child has read themselves.
Materials Needed for the Reading Star Book Counting Chain.
This project can be made by creating your own template or purchasing the one I have already made. It is included in this Reading Motivation Kit from Teachers Pay Teachers.
Yellow Construction Paper or Reading Star Printable
Permanent Markers
Kids Scissors
Glue Stick
White Multipurpose Paper or Printable Title Chains
Pencil
Directions to make the Reading Star Book Counting Chain
More ideas how to celebrate reading with your child from the #PlayfulPreschool Education Team:
Tips for Reading with Special Needs Kids by Life Over C’s
Preschool Invitation to Make Books by Mom Inspired Life
Early Reader Book Sorting Fun by Capri + 3
Parts of a Book Playdough Mats by Learning 2 Walk
Dramatic Play Library by Growing Book by Book
What a great idea – I was looking at how to support the reading of the summer and this works nicely with the schools reading rockets scheme.
What a fun way to keep track of books you read. Perfect for the summer!
A great idea to help keep track of all the book we will read this summer.
I love this idea. I imagine with four same-age kids we might have a pretty long chain which would be really fun. I know they would be excited!
This is so fun! Love the video!