You know the feeling when your child struggles to read smoothly. You see them stumble over words or miss the meaning, and it hurts because you want reading to feel joyful.

The truth is, many students face these challenges. In 2022, nearly 30% of eighth graders were not considered proficient in reading. That makes developing reading skills more important than ever.

The good news is that there are activities that can improve reading skills in students and make a real difference. In this blog, we’ll share a variety of fun, hands-on strategies that target key reading areas. Some of them might surprise you.

Key Takeaways

• Targeted activities make abstract reading skills concrete and engaging, covering phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness.

• Hands-on and playful exercises turn practice into enjoyable learning, keeping children motivated without pressure.

• Post-reading activities, such as story review, character discussion, and creative extensions, reinforce comprehension and critical thinking.

• Consistent implementation with matched difficulty, short sessions, and interest-based activities builds confidence and mastery over time.

• Structured guidance, whether at home or through programs, accelerates reading skill improvement and supports lifelong literacy success.

What Core Reading Skills Are and How Activities Can Support Them?

Reading skills are the fundamental abilities that help children understand written text effectively. These skills work together like puzzle pieces to create confident, capable readers.

The five core reading skills form the foundation of literacy development:

• Phonemic Awareness - recognizing and working with individual sounds in words.

• Phonics - understanding the relationship between letters and sounds,

• Fluency - reading accurately, quickly, and with proper expression,

• Vocabulary - knowing and understanding word meanings,

• Comprehension - grasping what the text actually means,

Activities support these skills by providing hands-on practice in low-pressure environments. Your child can explore sounds, practice reading aloud, and discuss stories without the stress of formal testing. These activities make abstract concepts concrete and memorable.

Also Read: Engaging Reading Fluency Games for Students 

List of Activities to Improve Reading Skills in Students

The activities listed below target different reading skills while keeping your child engaged and motivated. Each activity includes clear instructions, making it easy to implement at home or in the classroom.

Let's look at all the activities in detail:

1. Silly Voices Reading

Builds fluency | Best for: Grades K-3

Turn reading time into a performance! Pick a story or passage and ask your child to read it in different voices, robot, whisper, superhero, or silly high-pitch.

Encourage switching voices for different characters or sentences. It makes reading fun while helping them practice expression and pacing.

To add a twist, take turns reading different characters or make up new voices. Even short, familiar passages work perfectly.

2. Word Hunt

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades 1-5

Make reading an adventure by turning it into a treasure hunt! Give your child a passage and ask them to search for action words, describing words, or words showing feelings.

Give them a small notebook or a checklist to mark the words they find. Start with obvious categories, such as colors or animals, and then progress to more complex ones, like emotions or motivations.

You can time it like a game, or celebrate each discovery with a high-five. It keeps reading interactive and exciting.

3. Onset-rime Guessing Game

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades K-2

Play a guessing game where you say the first sound of a word and your child tries to guess the full word. For example, “c-” could be “cat,” “car,” or “cup.”

Use picture cards to make it a visual and engaging experience. Switch roles sometimes, letting your child give the starting sounds for you to guess.

Keep it short and fun, starting with simple CVC words. Increase difficulty as they get more confident.

4. Paired Reading

Builds fluency | Best for: Grades K-6

Sit with your child and take turns reading sentences or paragraphs aloud. Listening to each other helps with pacing, pronunciation, and confidence.

Choose books that are slightly above their independent reading level so they are challenged but not frustrated.

Start with alternating sentences or short paragraphs, and praise effort and expression. This shared reading approach reduces pressure and helps build fluency.

5. Word of the Day

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades 2-8

Kids love discovering new words, and introducing one each day keeps things fresh. Pick a word, explain its meaning, and show how to use it in a sentence.

Post the word somewhere visible and challenge your child to use it during the day. Encourage family members to join in as well.

Choose words from books your child is reading or age-appropriate lists. Keep definitions simple and examples fun so learning feels natural.

6. Picture Story Analysis

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades K-4

Sometimes words get in the way of understanding a story. Use wordless books or single illustrations and ask your child to tell the story they see.

Encourage them to predict what might happen next and describe how characters might feel. This helps build observation and critical thinking skills.

Start with clear, simple pictures. Ask questions like “What do you think is happening here?” or “Why does the character look this way?”

7. Echo Reading

Builds fluency | Best for: Grades K-3

Reading together can be powerful. Read a sentence or passage aloud, then have your child repeat it precisely the same way.

This repetition helps them pick up proper rhythm, expression, and pacing while building reading confidence.

Use books at their instructional level. Focus on one or two sentences at a time and read with clear expression to model fluent reading.

8. Initial Phoneme Identification Treasure Box

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades K-1

Kids love hands-on activities. Fill a box with small objects and have your child sort them by their starting sounds.

Start with sounds that are very different, such as “b,” “s,” and “m,” to make sorting easier. Gradually include more similar sounds as skills improve.

Use familiar toys, blocks, or small figures. Manipulating objects makes abstract sounds concrete and keeps learning fun.

9. Reading Contests

Builds fluency | Best for: All grades

Friendly competition can make reading exciting. Set up contests that focus on expression, smoothness, or understanding rather than speed.

Family members or classmates can act as judges. Keep contests short and fun, celebrating effort as much as skill.

Try criteria like “best character voice” or “clearest reading.” Every participant should get recognition to stay motivated.

10. Concept Maps for Sound Association

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades K-2

Visual learners benefit from seeing patterns. Connect pictures of objects with the same beginning, middle, or ending sounds to make a sound map.

Let your child draw lines between items and add their own illustrations. Using colors for different sound groups makes it even more engaging.

Start with obvious similarities like “cat,” “car,” and “cup” for the “c” sound. This encourages analytical thinking while maintaining creativity.

11. Vocabulary Bingo

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades 2-8

Create bingo cards with vocabulary words instead of numbers. Read definitions aloud and have players mark the matching words on their cards.

This game makes vocabulary practice social and exciting. Children must quickly think about word meanings and connect them to definitions they have learned.

Use words from current reading materials or recent lessons. Give each player a unique card and celebrate winners with small prizes or privileges.

12. Walkabout Sound Matching

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades K-2

Sometimes learning is best when kids move. Take a walk around your home or neighborhood and find objects starting with specific sounds.

Give your child a checklist to mark off items. The combination of movement and learning makes phonics practice memorable.

Pick target sounds that match objects you are likely to find. Record discoveries on a clipboard or phone, and see who can spot items fastest.

13. Flip the Pizza

Builds phonics | Best for: Grades K-3

Pizza isn’t just for eating! Make paper pizzas with word families and let your child “flip” different letters onto them to make new words.

For example, flipping “c,” “h,” or “r” onto “-at” creates “cat,” “hat,” or “rat.” This hands-on approach helps children see patterns.

Use common word families, such as “-an,” “-it,” or “-og.” Let your child decorate the pizza base for extra fun, and read each new word aloud.

14. Choral Reading

Builds fluency | Best for: Grades K-6

Reading together works wonders for students in improving their reading skills. Have everyone read a passage aloud simultaneously, making it perfect for poems, songs, or rhythmic texts.

Group reading supports struggling readers while letting confident readers take the lead. Mistakes blend into the collective voice, which builds confidence.

Choose texts with strong rhythm or repetition. Start slowly, then increase pace. Add hand motions or actions to make the experience more interactive.

Also Read: Top 15 Books for Shared Reading in Kindergarten 

15. Go Fish Phonics Card Game

Builds phonics | Best for: Grades K-3

Turn phonics into a card game. Make cards with words from the same family and play a version of Go Fish.

Players ask for cards that rhyme with ones in their hand, practicing sound patterns while enjoying social interaction.

Start with simple word families and add picture clues. Include four to six words per family, and try multiple families for variety.

16. Letter Labels

Builds phonics | Best for: Grades K-2

Make your home a reading environment. Place sticky notes on familiar objects with their names written clearly.

Your child can read the labels and match sounds to letters, connecting reading to real life.

Choose simple objects with clear letter-sound relationships. Write neatly, change labels regularly, and encourage daily exploration.

17. Read Aloud Sessions

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades K-8

Reading together gives children a chance to hear slightly advanced vocabulary while following along. Pause often to discuss new words or phrases.

Ask questions about story elements and encourage predictions. Make it a cozy, shared activity rather than just another reading session.

Pick books your child finds interesting. This approach expands vocabulary and comprehension beyond their independent reading level.

18. I Spy with Phonics

Builds phonics | Best for: Grades K-2

Play traditional "I Spy" games focused on letter sounds rather than colors or shapes. Say "I spy something that starts with the 'b' sound."

This classic game makes phonics practice portable and spontaneous. Children apply sound knowledge to their immediate environment while having fun.

Start with obvious beginning sounds and clear examples. Gradually include ending sounds and blends as skills develop. Take turns being the spy to maintain engagement.

19. Word Construction and Deconstruction

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades 1-4

Use magnetic letters, tiles, or written letters to build words sound by sound, then break them apart again.

This hands-on approach makes phonemes tangible. Children see how each sound contributes to a whole word.

Begin with simple three-sound words and progress to more complex combinations. Incorporate words from their reading materials for extra relevance.

20. Complete the Sentence

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades 2-6

Give sentences with missing words and ask your child to fill them using context clues. Start with obvious choices and increase difficulty.

This activity teaches thinking about meaning, not just sounding out words. It strengthens comprehension and logical reasoning.

Use sentences from familiar stories or make simple examples. Start with multiple choice, then move to open-ended blanks.

21. Pictionary

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades 2-8

Combine art and words by having your child draw vocabulary words for others to guess, or guess words from drawings.

Visualizing words helps memory, and creativity makes learning enjoyable. Focus on word meaning rather than perfect art.

Use words from recent reading or vocabulary lists. Explore abstract concepts and discuss various representations to gain a deeper understanding.

22. Guided Reading

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades K-6

During reading, pause to ask questions before, during, and after each section. Encourage your child to think about the text.

This approach teaches active reading and self-monitoring. Children learn to notice details, make predictions, and check their understanding.

Prepare questions that focus on prediction, clarification, and making connections. Adjust support based on responses and praise thoughtful answers.

If you don’t have the time, try reading programs like FunFox Readers Club, where your child can practice guided reading with professional educators.

23. Word Building Blocks

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades K-4

Use physical blocks or cards to make word families, compound words, or words with prefixes and suffixes.

Hands-on word building helps children see how words form meaning. Touching and manipulating parts reinforces learning.

Start with simple compounds like “sunshine” or “baseball.” Progress to prefixes and suffixes, letting children experiment and discuss which combinations are real words.

24. Sound Quest Game

Builds phonemic awareness | Best for: Grades K-2

Turn phonics practice into an adventure. Ask your child to complete sound-based challenges to move forward, such as finding three words that rhyme or identifying words with a specific sound.

The quest format makes learning purposeful and enjoyable, rather than just completing exercises.

Pick themes your child enjoys, pirates, superheroes, or princesses. Offer small rewards for completing each quest to maintain high motivation.

25. Question and Answer Sessions

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades K-8

After reading, spark a conversation with open-ended questions. Ask things like, “Why do you think the character acted that way?” or “What might happen next?”

This helps your child think critically and use evidence from the text. They learn to support ideas and consider other perspectives.

Prepare a mix of questions, from simple recall to analysis. Listen closely, ask follow-up questions, and model thinking aloud for challenging questions.

26. Crossword Puzzles / Word Searches

Builds vocabulary | Best for: Grades 3-8

Use puzzles to make vocabulary practice feel like a challenge, rather than work. Create crosswords or word searches with words from your child’s reading or current lessons.

Solving the puzzles strengthens word recognition, spelling, and meaning.

Start simple with clear clues. Online generators can create custom puzzles. Work together on more challenging ones to provide support and make it a fun, shared activity.

27. True or False?

Builds comprehension | Best for: Grades 2-8

Make statements about a text and have your child decide if they are true or false. Ask them to explain their reasoning.

This activity encourages careful thinking about details and main ideas while reinforcing comprehension.

Include a mix of obvious and tricky statements. Encourage your child to point to evidence in the text and explain their reasoning behind their answers.

28. Learning Sight Words with Playful Activities

Builds fluency | Best for: Grades K-3

Use games, songs, and movement activities to practice high-frequency words that children need to recognize instantly.

Playful practice makes memorization enjoyable while building automaticity with common words. Multi-sensory activities help different types of learners master sight words.

Focus on grade-appropriate sight word lists. Use activities like word hunts, memory games, and action songs. Practice a few words intensively rather than many superficially.

These activities work best when implemented consistently and chosen to match your child's current skill level. The key is making reading practice feel enjoyable rather than forced.

Also Read: Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies for Kindergarten Students

Post-Reading Activities to Strengthen Reading Skills

The learning doesn’t stop when the last page is turned. Post-reading activities help children consolidate what they’ve read, reinforce comprehension, expand vocabulary, and improve critical thinking.

• Review the Story – Ask your child to summarize the story in their own words. This strengthens memory and understanding of key details.

• Character Talk – Discuss why characters made confident choices and how they felt about them. This develops empathy and deeper comprehension.

• Illustration Analysis – Examine pictures in the story. Discuss what they reveal and how they enhance the text.

• Create Your Ending – Invite your child to imagine a new ending or write a continuation. This boosts creativity and critical thinking.

• Draw & Describe – Have them draw a scene and describe it using new vocabulary and comprehension skills.

• Retell to Someone – Encourage your child to explain the story to a family member, friend, or even a pet. It reinforces recall and narrative skills.

• Question Time – Let your child create their own questions about the story. This encourages curiosity and analytical thinking.

If you’re short on time, a program like FunFox Readers Club can guide your child through these post-reading exercises with professional support, ensuring skills improve consistently.

Tips for Implementation

Success with these activities depends on thoughtful implementation rather than perfect execution. Here are specific strategies that make the most significant difference:

• Match activities to your child's energy level - Use high-energy games when they are active and quiet activities when they need to wind down.

• Start with success - Choose activities that are slightly below your child's current reading level to build confidence before adding a challenge.

• Focus on one skill area per session - Avoid overwhelming your child by targeting too many reading skills simultaneously.

• Keep sessions short and sweet - 10-15 minutes of focused activity often works better than longer sessions. 

• Celebrate small wins immediately - Acknowledge effort and improvement rather than waiting for perfect performance.

• Make it social when possible - Include siblings, friends, classmates, or family members to add motivation and enjoyment. 

• Connect activities to your child's interests - Use their favorite characters, topics, or themes to maintain engagement. 

• Be consistent with timing - Regular short sessions work better than sporadic long ones.

• Adjust difficulty based on response - If your child struggles, simplify; if they succeed easily, add challenge.

• Document progress in simple ways - Take photos, keep simple charts, or record improvements to show growth over time.

Remember that your attitude matters more than perfect technique. Children pick up on your enthusiasm and stress levels during these activities.

Conclusion

Activities to improve reading skills in students turn abstract abilities into fun, hands-on learning experiences. These targeted exercises address the five core reading areas while keeping practice engaging and pressure-free.

When used consistently, they build a strong foundation for lifelong reading success. If you want to see these activities in action with expert guidance, consider exploring FunFox Readers Club, where structured reading activities help your child strengthen their skills in a supportive environment.

Readers Club offerings:

• Small group classes (3-6 students) for personalized attention.

• Weekly one-hour Zoom sessions with trained teachers.

• Activities targeting fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

• All sessions are recorded for review and practice.

• Interactive digital portal with games and worksheets.

• Curriculum-aligned content for Years 3-8.

Don't wait to give your child the reading support they deserve. Book a trial class with FunFox Readers Club today and watch your child's reading confidence soar!

FAQ’s 

1. How can I improve my students' reading skills?

Focus on targeted activities that strengthen phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Encourage guided reading, discussion, and hands-on exercises to make reading practice consistent, engaging, and connected to authentic texts.

2. What are the big five reading activities?

The big five reading activities target phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Structured practice in these areas develops strong literacy foundations and supports overall reading growth.

3. What are the 12 common art activities that will help build literacy skills?

Activities include drawing, painting, collage, storyboarding, puppet making, comic creation, dioramas, character sketching, graphic organizers, labeling, creative writing with art, and visual storytelling to enhance literacy and expression.

4. What are the 10 essential literacy practices?

Essential practices include daily reading, writing, guided reading, vocabulary exercises, discussion of texts, phonics practice, comprehension strategies, fluency drills, using visual aids, and integrating interactive reading activities.

5. What are the six essential skills needed in reading comprehension?

The six essential skills are predicting, summarizing, questioning, clarifying, making connections, and inferring. These help students understand, interpret, and remember text effectively while thinking critically about content.