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I wish I could claim this as my idea, but I can’t. This idea comes straight from Ralphie @simplyonpurpose. She created a simple mom store to encourage her girls to read during the summer months.
This idea of the “mom store” is fairly simple. It is essentially a basket or bin filled with special treats to be used only during reading time. You have to earn tickets to purchase items in the “mom store” by reading a certain number of pages. And you can only consume or use what you purchase from the“mom store” during that day’s reading time.
I revamped the “mom store” and created what I call the “storybook market”. We read individually for 30 minutes and then I do a read aloud for 30 minutes.
Right before reading time, we do a quick pick up of the living room and dining room (aka clear floor, sofa and dining room table). I pull out the “storybook market” and lay items out on the table giving the older girls their choice of two items and only one item for the younger girls. For my “storybook market” I have the following items: can sodas, powder coffee mix, hot chocolate mix, yahoo, popcorn, little debbie snacks, takis, ice cream tickets, ring pops, the baby bottle candy, etc. Basically anything that your child does not get to eat,drink or use on a regular basis, making it a special treat. I will be adding a few nonfood items and will update to include these items shortly.
Everyone then gets situated in their reading spot and reads for 30 minutes. For younger children, if they don’t like to read on their own maybe read a few books to them and then have them look them over for the remaining 30 minutes.
When 30 minutes is up, switch gears and encourage everyone to come to the table to color while you read a chapter book that will be enjoyable for the whole family. We are currently finishing up the first Harry Potter book. I was able to find these coloring sheets online and printed them. Everyone really enjoyed coloring these! Here’s a link for an actual Harry Potter coloring book that I have ordered!
For Preschoolers:
For little ones who are still learning to read, during this reading time they can look at picture books without worrying about reading the words. They can also listen to books on audio. Most libraries have books on cds or even what is called playscapes. Playscapes are books that come with an mp3 player that has the audio preloaded. All you have to do is plug in a pair of headphones and you’re all set. Another option is an app called EPIC!. This is a reading app that has the audio with the story for your child to read through. A lot of kindergarten classrooms are using this program and I have used it for my children as well. It is a great app to take advantage of using.
Setting up a good reading space will be helpful at this age as well. Maybe set up a special play tent that is only used during reading time. Or maybe a special fleece blanket on the sofa with the use of a special neck pillow. Or a special pair of glasses used to read during this special time. Just remember that whatever special items you include in your “mom store” need to only be used during reading time everyday.
The “storybook market” is a great concept, but as with anything make sure to adapt it to fit your family. Is an hour a day of quiet reading time unreasonable for your family? Then adjust the reading time to what is reasonable for your family. Are the contents of the “storybook market” not working for your family? Then adjust what you put into the “mom store” so that it caters to your family. If your child is struggling to read maybe look into more audio books and give options in the “storybook market” to keep your child’s hands busy so they can concentrate on the story being read-aloud. For example, maybe a coloring book of Harry Potter with a special pack of markers or these colored pencils are in the “mom store” to be used only during reading time when listening to Harry Potter. In our family we do a lot of read-alouds and books on audio.
If you decide to add this fun routine to your day and it helps your child to want to read, I want to hear from you! Make sure and leave a comment and tell me all about it and include any variations you may have added. And make sure to take photos and tag me and @simplyonpurpose as well!
Happy reading!
I love this idea!! I’ve been trying to get my oldest to read more, this may just do it! Thank you for the fun idea!