Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

The holidays are definitely my favourite time of the year. For me it represents warmth, good cheer, family, and tradition. And not surprisingly, one of my favourite traditions during the season is to spread good cheer by sending holiday cards to my family and friends both near and far.

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This year why not try making holiday cards a part of your family tradition? Not only are they fun and festive, but they are also a great way to get your child ready for reading. Did you know that writing helps children learn that letters and words have both sounds and meaning? Encourage older children to write their own festive messages, and if they are really young, try getting them to write the letters in their name. It does not have to be perfect, anything goes! 

To help you get started I thought I would share with you a very easy and festive stocking craft that I adapted from My first card-making book: 35 easy-to-make cards for every occasion for children aged 7+.  It is chock-full of amazing ideas and patterns for a wide variety of greeting cards. Check it out today and get started spreading your holiday cheer right away.

What you will need:

• Card stock paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Festive decorations like ribbons, pom-poms, and stickers
• Pens, pencils, crayons, and markers
• String or ribbon for hanging the stocking
• Hole Punch

Step 1:

Help your child cut out a stocking from the card stock.

Step 2:

On the reverse side have them write their festive message and/or name. 

Step 3:

Lastly, have them decorate the front of the stocking however they like. This is their time to be creative! Don't forget to poke a hole in the top right hand corner and tie a ribbon through the hole.

Your stocking card is now ready to go. The best part, this card can also be hung by the fireplace for everyone to enjoy. 

Season's Greetings!