What if the pages of a book could literally come to life in a child's hands? That's the transformative power of combining makerspace activities with reading—a strategy that's changing how kids experience stories.

When I first became a school media specialist, I inherited a neglected library where students dreaded their visits. Books were piled high, the space was uninviting, and enthusiasm for reading was non-existent. My goal wasn't just to get kids reading; it was to make them beg to come to the library. The solution? Letting them play. By introducing Legos, building materials, and creative supplies, I created a gateway to literacy that worked like magic. Kids who came to tinker soon became kids who came to read.

This episode explores three powerful makerspace projects that turn passive reading into interactive adventures. First, engineering a story setting allows children to build the Three Little Pigs' houses or Mr. McGregor's garden from Peter Rabbit using simple materials. Second, character-inspired design challenges have kids creating solutions for story problems—like designing a raft for the Gingerbread Man or the perfect chair for Goldilocks. Finally, stop-motion animation brings storytelling into the digital age as children create mini-movies of their favorite tales.

These hands-on approaches work because they engage multiple learning styles, foster empathy, strengthen comprehension, and preserve imagination. When children physically interact with story elements, reading transforms from a chore into an exciting creative process. The subtle shift from "have to read" to "get to read" makes all the difference.

Ready to try these activities with your own young readers? Download my free Makerspace Story Guide from the description for book recommendations perfectly suited for these projects. Then share your experiences in the comments—I'd love to hear how your children respond to these hands-on reading adventures. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss future episodes where we'll continue creating joyful, confident readers, one page at a time!

Freebies:

Makerspace Book List:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/elabooksformakerspace

Makerspace Start-Up Kit:

https://www.trinadeboreeteachingandlearning.com/msstartupkit

5-Minute Reading Fix For Parents:

https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Does your active child struggle to sit still during reading time? You're not alone. That constant fidgeting, restlessness, and apparent disinterest in books isn't a sign they don't like reading—it's their body telling you they need to move to learn effectively.

I share the story of my son Jackson, who walked at nine months and was physically advanced but struggled with traditional sit-still activities like reading. Many children—especially those with ADHD or sensory needs—process information better when movement is incorporated into learning. Science confirms what many parents observe: physical activity activates brain functions that improve focus, memory, and comprehension.

The heart of this episode reveals three game-changing strategies that transform reading from a dreaded chore into an exciting adventure. First, try yoga poses tied to story elements—like superhero stance when characters make brave choices or jumping jacks when settings change. This mind-body connection dramatically improves retention while making books feel interactive. Next, create story-based scavenger hunts by hiding objects that match elements in the book, turning reading into an active treasure hunt that kinesthetic learners love. Finally, act out parts of the story using movements and different voices, bringing characters to life and deepening understanding.

These simple techniques require minimal preparation but yield powerful results—children who not only comprehend better but actually enjoy reading. Best of all, these movement-based approaches create joyful connections between you and your child rather than reading battles. Ready to transform reading time? Download my free Five-Minute Reading Fix and try just one strategy tonight. Share how it works in the comments, and subscribe for more practical ways to raise confident, enthusiastic readers who love books their way.

The 5-Minute Reading Fix for Parents!
🚀 Want a simple, stress-free way to build your child’s reading confidence?
🎁 Grab my FREE 5-Minute Reading Fix!
📌 Quick, actionable strategies to help your child enjoy reading—without frustration.
📌 Perfect for busy parents who want real solutions fast!
👉 Download it here:

https://trina-deboree-teaching-and-learning.kit.com/500af75f4b

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

Reading doesn't have to be a battleground. After a long hiatus, I'm back with a critical message for parents and educators alike: we may be unknowingly turning kids away from books through three common mistakes.

The first mistake is forcing children to read only "just-right" books. When kids can only access books at their exact reading level, reading becomes a constant test rather than a joyful experience. The solution? A 60-40 approach where most reading time is spent with books they genuinely love, with the remainder dedicated to skill-building. Let that dinosaur-obsessed child explore paleontology books, even if they're technically "too easy" or filled with pictures. Their enthusiasm will naturally lead to growth.

Next, we often make the devastating error of using reading as a punishment or obligation. "No screens until you finish reading" transforms books from treasures into chores. Instead, reframe reading as a special activity: "Let's have a cozy reading break!" Create reading picnics, try flashlight reading under blankets, or listen to audiobooks while drawing. These simple shifts make reading feel like a privilege rather than a penalty.

Finally, our obsession with reading speed over comprehension damages understanding and enjoyment. Rather than counting words per minute, encourage children to "read like you're telling a story." Pause to discuss characters' choices, make predictions, and connect stories to their lives. Echo reading—where you model expressive reading and they repeat—builds confidence without pressure.

Download my free five-minute reading fix in the show notes for quick, actionable strategies that will transform your child's relationship with books. Whether you're a classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or caregiver, these research-backed approaches will help children discover the true magic of reading.

The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Parents

The 5 Minute Reading Fix for Teachers

Readers in the Making Newsletter

Subscribe and Review:

Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don’t want you to miss an episode. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix, and if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes.

Now, if you’re feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast, and they’re also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!