Parenting bloggers Amy Mascott (Teach Mama) and Allison McDonald (No Time for Flashcards), authors of the recently released Raising a Rock-Star Reader, have provided some great games and activities to keep kids engaged – all while building their literacy skills – during the long plane, train or car ride this Thanksgiving. Not traveling? We even have a few tips to keep kids entertained during the “staycation” weekend.

Q & A: Amy and Allison talk about the top takeaways from their new parenting book

Check out this handy infographic featuring Amy and Allison’s “Top 10 Tips” to keep kids reading on the go. Amy and Allison’s tips provide easy ways to intergrate quick “five-minute-a-day” activites that will turn even the most reluctant reader into a “rock-star.”

More Reading on the Go Tips

Here are some additional tips Amy and Allison shared with our readers last week to keep kids “reading ready” while traveling this holiday season:

First of all, don’t forget to let kids play and entertain themselves. Every moment doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be, structured or educational. Play is educational. That said there are so many fun ways to slip reading in by what you pack and do yourself on the trip. 

1. Pack books with you. Picture books in a carry-on or maybe an e-reader filled with a series are waiting to be devoured. If you don’t pack it they can’t read it, so make room for books in your bag!
2. Listen to an audio book on a road trip. This is a fun way to “read” a book together as a family. 
3. Plan ahead and read a book that has been made into a film before your trip and watch it on the trip. After you finish watching don’t forget to compare the book to the film adaptation. 
4. Read yourself. Being a reading role model is not optional, it’s something we as parents must do. Amy and I can’t stress this enough, it’s really important. You don’t have to be reading War and Peace to be a good role model. Just be an example of someone who reads for fun. 

For more novel ways to help children discover the power and joy of reading this holiday season, check out our Scholastic Parents Raise A Reader Blog, Amy’s blog, Teach Mama,and Allison’s blog, No Time For Flash Cards. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of “Raising a Rock-Star Reader” today at The Scholastic Store. #RaiseaReader