Reading creatively with children can involve acting out the story and using silly voices.
Suddenly in Charge? Ideas for reading to children, physical activity
K-State extension agents share tips when caring for younger children
June 1, 2020
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Two publications now available from the K-State Research and Extension bookstore will help adults and older children as they care for younger children this summer.
The series, Suddenly in Charge, has recently added tip sheets that outline recommendations for reading with children for indoor fun, and physical activity to fill outdoor time.
“Children enjoy having older kids or adults read to them,” said Melody Garcia, a family and consumer sciences extension agent in Kearney County. Garcia is one of the authors of the publication, Suddenly in Charge: Reading with Young Children.
Some tips to keep in mind for a positive experience include:
- Read where there is good lighting. Wear glasses if you need them and sit with good posture.
- Choose age-appropriate books and read creatively. Act out the story and use silly voices.
- Involve children in the story. Let them pick a book and tell the story.
Christina Holmes, a family and consumer sciences agent in Cherokee County, is one of the authors of another new publication, Suddenly in Charge: Physical Activity.
She said youth between the ages of 6 and 17 need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, either through short bursts of activity throughout the day, or all at once. Children ages 2 to 5 should engage in small bursts of active play and activities every day, Holmes said.
Some tips for adults and older children to take into consideration include:
- Consider any safety risks that may be present before physical activity, such as unsafe equipment or other hazards.
- Apply sunscreen before outdoor play and keep children hydrated by offering regular water breaks.
- Before riding a bicycle, scooter or roller skates, make sure the child is wearing a proper fitting helmet.
Never leave children unattended near water, even around small pools. For youth who may be babysitting, talk with the child’s guardians about their rules on playing in or around water and the safety equipment their child should wear.
Both of the publications provide activities and fun snacks to build around reading time, or to incorporate with physical activity.
See more publications online, sorted by topic, on the web site for the K-State Research and Extension bookstore.
