Parent Resources

Read, Read, Read, and Read some more!

Research shows that spending just 20-30 minutes a night will help increase your child's knowledge in all areas-critical thinking, vocabulary, stamina, writing, and even math.

Another great idea is to have your child listen to audio books. This is great for kids that may be reading below level, because they are still getting to experience on-level and above texts.

Graphic novels and picture books are also wonderful for practicing inferencing skills and kids usually LOVE reading them! The only thing about this, is to make sure that these are not the ONLY type of books your child is reading. We want them to expand their horizon and push themselves to be challenged in what they are reading.

• Read to and with your child at least 20 minutes each day Your child will gain awareness of reading and even the very young will gain vocabulary. Running your index finger under the print as you read will help your child notice that printed words have meaning. Gradually you can ask her to identify letters and sounds.
• Sing songs and recite poems and rhymes that have repetitive sounds Repetition makes it easier for your child to pick up on the patterns in the sounds you make.
• Model good reading habits Help your child understand that reading is important by letting him see you reading maps, books, recipes, and directions. Suggest reading as a free-time activity. Keep books that are of interest to your child in an easy place for him to reach.
• Keep a variety of reading materials in the house Make sure to have reading materials for enjoyment as well as for reference.
• Encourage your child to practice reading aloud Frequently listen to your child read out loud and praise your child as he/she does so. Offer to read every other page or even every other chapter to your child. Have conversations and discussions about the book with your child.
• Write short notes for your child to read Write down his weekly household responsibilities for your child to keep track of or put a note in his lunch bag.
• Encourage activities that require reading
• Cooking (reading a recipe), constructing a kite (reading directions), or identifying a bird's nest or a shell at the beach (reading a reference book) are some examples.
• Talk with your child Talking makes children think about their experiences more and helps them expand their vocabularies. Ask your child to give detailed descriptions of events and to tell complete stories.
  To look at monthly activities you can do with your child involving reading, click on the logo below: