Here's a super way to build reading comprehension and writing skills and have a fun-filled afternoon at the same time. Try a Treasure Hunt! In its simplest form, a treasure hunt is a series of clues that direct the player to the next clue in the series, and finally to a small surprise or treat. Treasure hunts are wonderfully fun ways to practice reading skills, improve comprehension, and develop memory skills.

To make a basic treasure hunt, use small papers or note cards. Make a card that directs the player to the spot where the first clue will be found. In that place, hide the direction to the next clue, and so on until you hide the treat or "treasure" at the end of the trail. If your cards will be outdoors, be sure to use a marker or ink that will not run or smear when wet. Keep the players' reading level in mind, as well, and phrase the clues in such a way that your child will be able to read most words.

Modify this game for younger players or those who cannot read well by including picture clues. You can do this either by simply drawing a sketch of the next place to go, or by using a rebus-type mixture of pictures and words. You can also use pictures of furniture, appliances, plants, and so forth taken with your own camera or cut from magazines, catalogs, or advertisements. The main consideration is to allow all players to work on their own as much as possible.

For more able readers and older players, make the clues more difficult to figure out. Instead of simply writing the place to look for the next clue, use larger, more descriptive words and longer sentences. You can also try using riddles or other obscure messages to send players on their way. Secret codes can make this game even more challenging.

One final twist on the game is to use extreme close-up pictures to send players along the trail. The pictures can show textures and details not normally noticed, such as wood grains or the underside of a table, and can be quite unusual looking. Be sure to create pictures that do not show the outline of the object...the normal shape that is usually noticed will be a dead give-away. Players will need to inspect everyday objects very closely to match the textures shown in the photos and find the next photo clue.