Quick Tip No. 1!

Take books everywhere (the car, bus, doctor’s office), and make the most of every minute.

Quick Tip No. 2!

Make bath time Reading Time. Take advantage of this relaxing time by letting children read waterproof books, or by reading them a book as they bathe.

10 Literacy Tips

Be a Reading Role Model

Your child walks like you, talks like you, and absorbs everything you do. So set the right example when it comes to reading. If you want your child to be a good reader, be one yourself!

Surround yourself with reading material.

Books don't belong only in libraries and classrooms. Make the written word a part of your living space, with books, magazines, and newspapers readily available throughout your home.

Draw attention of all the things you read.

Provide a bibliography for the things you talk about: When you explain why the sky is blue or who the first president of the United States was, tell your child which book helps you know these facts. You'll show him how knowledge is largely shaped by the things we read and how reading connects us to the world.

Buy or borrow books together.

Whenever you're going to the library or bookstore, let your child come along. Even if you aren't looking for anything in particular, practice the art of book browsing and admiring. Make an event out of it and she'll learn to be exhilarated by the sight of books.

Don't be a solo reader.

Open up conversations through reading by pausing to read and interesting fact aloud or wonder what an unfamiliar word means. Knowing that the reading experience is not a solitary activity will motivate reluctant readers.

Read for leisure.

Show that reading isn't work. Cuddle up with a good book and you'll model how reading can be just the thing to make your day.

Bring something to read everywhere you go.

From the office to home, or even the living room to the bedroom, make sure you're equipped with reading material - for yourself and your child. You never know when you'll have some downtime. Show him that reading is a constructive (and FUN) way to pass the time.

Emphasize the universal importance of reading.

Librarians, teachers, students, mechanics, lawyers, doctors, architects, athletes . . . everyone reads. Show your child that reading is part of everyone's life by reading diverse works that serve different purposes. Consider cookbooks, television manuals, online magazines, and cereal boxes. Make a habit out of living through reading.

By: Scholastic, Inc. (2007)

www.readingrockets.org

 

Ten Literacy Tips for Parents of Young Children

1. Read aloud to your child every day.

2. Create a print rich home environment – many books available to children.

3. Model literacy – let children see you reading and writing!

4. Use grocery shopping to encourage reading – let children help with the list, find products, and match coupons to products.

5. Cook with your child to develop literacy – read recipes, ingredients, even create a family cookbook!

6. Explore books together.

7. Tell stories together.

8. Sing and rhyme with your child.

9. Write with your child – provide materials to create lists, thank you notes, etc.

10. Visit the library often!

*From Reading is Fundamental

www.rif.org