DIY Project: Make Magic Reading Carpets for Preschool Students
Magic Reading Carpets is one of our (DIY) Do it Yourself Volunteer Projects. DIY Volunteering allows families and groups of all ages to participate in flexible and meaningful community service opportunities from the comfort of their own homes or offices. DIY projects can be combined with social events, business meetings, celebrations, and more.
We are looking for volunteers to make Magic Reading Carpets, sized 30inches x 30inches. The carpets will be used by our Book Buddy sites. The project includes purchasing the materials, making the small tie blankets (no sewing required), and returning the finished products by October 1 for the 2026-27 school year.
Magic Reading Carpets are fun, colorful reading mats for Book Buddy preschool students handmade by volunteers! Our goal is to help get young minds excited for literacy and these mats encourage an inviting reading environment. Believe it or not, these carpets really work! Children love curling up on their soft, snuggly, and comfortable carpets and opening a book to read. They are mobile so their 'book nook' can be anywhere the carpet can go. To make the carpet, simply download and follow the instructions.
We give each child that participates in Book Buddy their very own Magic Reading Carpet. They will use their Magic Reading Carpet twice weekly throughout the school year and will get to take it home with them upon completion of the program. Book Buddy extends learning beyond the classroom to support family literacy. Children bring home their copy of the featured book every Friday—the start of a budding library in homes where reading materials are often scarce.
Download instructions here.
If you are able, please also purchase the Clear Plastic Zip bag for the blankets. These can be found on Amazon at the following link. You can also search for other options from other vendors if you would like. These are required by the center to keep each child’s books and blankets stored individually for sanitation purposes.
Once you have responded to this need, please contact Sarah Underwood to schedule a donation time.
If you have questions, please contact Sarah Underwood. To learn more about Book Buddy, please click here.
*Please note that you will work on your Magic Reading Carpet on your own time and at your home or office.
Book Buddy description: Book Buddy reaches children in the critical year before kindergarten, helping them build the pre-reading skills they need for a strong start in school. For 40 minutes a week, volunteers read one-on-one with four-year-old students. Using an engaging curriculum and library of 26 books, volunteers follow the book insert to teach a specific literacy skill.
Notes of Encouragement: Your group may include branded postcards or notes of encouragement with the completed Magic Carpets.
