Scavenger Hunt With Written Clues

Index cards or paper for clue cards

Markers or crayons for writing and drawing

A small prize: sticker, snack, or small toy

Hide a small prize at the final spot.

Write 5 clue cards, working backwards. Each leads to the next.

Use simple words AND pictures: draw a pillow, write "Look under the big pillow."

Place clue cards at each location.

Give the first clue: "Treasure hunt! Read the clue!"

Help them read, pointing to each word. Let pictures provide hints.

Celebrate each found clue. Help read the next card.

At the prize, celebrate. Then ask: "Want to make clues for ME?"

A treasure hunt gives reading a PURPOSE. Your child isn't reading because you asked them to — they're reading because they need to in order to find treasure. That intrinsic motivation is powerful.

For younger children (3-4), rely heavily on pictures with just one or two words. For older children (5-6), use longer sentences and fewer picture clues.

When your child makes clues for YOU, they're practicing writing. Let them draw pictures and scribble "words." Ask them to "read" each clue to you before you follow it.

Start with 3 clues for younger kids. Build up to 7-8 clues as they get faster at decoding.

Theme the hunts: pirate treasure, detective mystery, fairy quest. The story layer keeps them coming back for more.