Read, read, read. This should be every parents’ motto. Being literate unlocks so many important doors for our children. In our fast paced world it is easy to forget to stop and read with our kids. We are an integral part of our children being successful in writing and reading and this lifelong journey begins at a young age. Literacy is something that should be intertwined in daily life. Here are some . . .
great activities to promote literacy throughout your world day and daily life.
Have an older sibling read a bedtime story to their younger sibling. Reading is a great way to wind down at the end of the day.
Depending on the age of the children, choose a story and read it together one page or sentence per family member at a time.
Change up the location for reading that day. Instead of reading in bed, choose reading in the tub, on the couch, at the kitchen table, in the car, in a fort, or you can pitch an outdoor tent in the living room and read with a flashlight.
Visit the library and bring home some new titles and authors.
Get into acting. Act out a familiar story as a family. Use dress up clothes, puppets and masks
Have your children become the illustrators. Draw, paint, or collage part of their favourite book.
Play a game of I spy. Your children can look for pictures, letters, or words within the book or find things around the house that match what you’re reading.
Integrating literacy into daily life can be very simple.
Whines of “I’m bored” are met with go look at or read a book or let’s read a book together. We have books available in all rooms in our home. We borrow books from the library, buy them used from yard sales or book stores. It’s also a great idea to trade with friends.
Read the cereal box, magazines, newspapers, road signs, grocery store signs, flyers, comic books, etc. Words are all around us.
Follow your child’s interest, this is key. As your children get older, their interest is the most important factor in choosing literature. Even if what they enjoy is not grade level encourage them to read it.
Choose paper over electronic. There is nothing better than seeing, feeling and exploring beautiful art work done by an illustrator. What a great way to engage and draw children into the wonderful world of make believe.
Have books available in the car or in your bag when you are out. They are great for passing the time when you are waiting.
It is important to note that it is possible that your child does not enjoy reading or being read to no matter how much you try. If this is the case don’t beat yourself up about it, just keep presenting opportunities for them to enjoy literature.
Until next week, read lots.
