Simple Tips for Supporting Literacy at Home

         

     ~Let your child see you reading and writing everyday. 

Reading and writing activities happen all day long!  Whether you are writing out a grocery list or reading a recipe, allow your child to participate in some way.  Let him choose a snack that he would like to include on the grocery list or cut out pictures from the store ads and glue them to the list.  He will quickly learn that reading and writing have a purpose.

   ~ Create a literacy-rich life.  

• Have different types of books, magazines, and newspapers available throughout the house.
• Expose your child to high quality children's literature.
• Establish “reading time” everyday…even if it is just for 5-10 minutes.
• Listen to books while riding in the car.
• Share silly poems, jokes, and songs.

~Enlist the help of an older sibling to read books with your child.

  

       ~ Provide repetition.

Repetition is important because it…

• Provides opportunities to practice new skills.
• Allows your child to anticipate the sequence of the story.
• Builds background knowledge.
• Encourages participation.
• Develops a love for reading.
• Builds confidence and fluency.

~Know what is going on at school.

If you know what type of literacy activities your child is doing at school, then it will make it easier for you to carryover some of these same activities at home.  Ask your child’s classroom teacher for ideas.

   ~Explore different book media.

Not all children are motivated by paper books.  Look for other ways to introduce print to your child.  You may have more success with electronic or talking books.

~Make special visits to your local library and bookstores.  

~Help your child learn about his favorite author. 

   ~Don’t forget about writing!  

• Give your child a writer’s notebook and encourage him or her to jot down ideas and thoughts.
• Spend time writing together.  Create a family scrap book complete with captions, or put together a cookbook of your family's favorite meals and desserts.  Invite your child to illustrate the recipes with his or her own drawings or photos.
• Set up a writing corner with different types of stationary, stamps, pens, pencils, and markers.

Illustration by: http://www.cartoonaday.com/cartoon-boy-reading-national-geographic/I