by Shelley Heaphy
Read, read, read. This should be every parents’ motto in their home. Being literate unlocks so many important doors for our children.
Each year, on Jan. 27 we celebrate Family Literacy Day. In our fast-paced world it is easy to forget to stop and read with our kids, so this day is set aside as our reminder.
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, not just once a year. Here are some great activities for literacy day that could also be implemented year round.
1. 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.
2. Depending on the age of the children, choose a story and read it together, one page or sentence per family member at a time.
3. 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, pitch an outdoor tent in the livingroom and read with a flashlight.
4. Visit the library and bring home some new titles and authors
5. Get into acting — act out a familiar story as a family. Use dress up clothes, puppets, masks, etc.
6. Have your children become the illustrators. Draw, paint, or collage part of their favourite book.
7. Play a game of I spy. Your children can look for pictures, letters, or words within the book herself, or find things around the house that match what you’re reading.
Integrating literacy into daily life
Whines of “I’m bored” are met with go look at/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 and comic books. Words are all around us.
Follow your child’s interest – this is key. As your children get older, their interest in 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.
The Parents’ Voice Shawville is happy to announce that art workshops will be starting back for the winter months. We will plan one art workshop per month, each workshop will be taught by a new artist. Our next workshop is Feb. 16 from 10:30-12:00 with Michael Peterson at the Shawville Community Lodge. Children will learn basketry and will be making a fish, bird or flower to take home. Please email parentsvoiceshawville@hotmail.com to register and for more information.
Until next week, keep reading.
