The "Treasure Hunt" Game For Young Readers! (Printable PDF)

Help them learn, make them smile... 

Ever struggle with getting your kids excited to learn to read? I did. 

In this past year, as I started teaching my five year old son how to read, I kept seeing him either bored with the super basic “beginning reader” content, or overwhelmed with a page of words he didn’t believe he could sound out. I knew he was able if he tried, but he didn’t think he could yet, and he pushed reading away.

So I got creative and made up a fun little clue-finding “treasure hunt" game with some scraps of paper and a marker.

I drew a talking cat, telling him to look for an apple on the door. Then drew an apple, telling him to find a frog under the couch, and so on… At the end of the clues, I planted a “treasure” (It was either a toy or a piece of candy)

He absolutely loved it!

He was having too much fun to realize he was practicing phonics. Sounding out the words was a worthy challenge to get to the next clue, and, of course, that treasure!!

“Treasure hunts” have by far been the most fun and effective way to get my kid excited to read. (And write too! He was asking for his own scraps of paper and markers from day one!) :)

So, since it worked so well for us...

I’ve decided to share the “treasure hunts” I've made by creating printable PDF files for other parents to use! 

Just cut out the clue cards, hide them in your house with a "treasure" hidden in the designated final location, and give them the first clue! Watch your child get excited to figure out what the clue says so they can hunt for the next one. 

I am offering this fun little treasure hunt for free. If I can bring smiles to your kids while they practice reading, then I'm happy. :) Of course, if you'd like to contribute something to show support for what I'm doing, or just want to buy me a coffee, go for it! :) 

This treasure hunt is the first of many more to come. Stay tuned!

Enjoy, and have a blast!