LITERACY FOR LIFE: RAISING A READER

As parents we all want our children to do well in school. One of the most important aspects to school success is the ability to read and understand what we have read. Children learn to read at their own speed but there are things we can do to help them discover a love of reading which will help them learn to read because reading will be fun for them to do..

THE 3 A’s

Attitude

Children who become successful readers and writers share several common characteristics:

• They have been read to regularly.
• They have many opportunities to handle/have books.
• They see parents and others read and write for real purposes and for fun.
• They have been encouraged to express themselves through writing, drawing, verbally.

Activities

The process of learning to read can be divided into two basic areas:

1. Reading Readiness

2. Actually learning to read

Reading readiness skills include:

• Tracking, Visual Memory, Shape Recognition
• Patterning, Verbalization, Imaginative Play
• Visual Imagery

Providing appropriate toys for your children from an early age can help develop these critical skills. Toys that require the child to follow a ball as it moves through a maze is a great way to help the child discover how to follow with their eyes. Using toys that require a child to name the shapes or use shapes to complete a pattern are great toys to help children recognize various shapes. Using puppets, dress up outfits, pretend food, puppet stages, and books children can interact with are great for imaginative play and asking your child to tell you about what they are doing is a great way to encourage children to verbalize their thoughts and ideas.

Academics

Fun with letters (letter recognition, writing, etc.). I find that my daughter loves to trace letters, shapes, etc. and this is helping her develop the fine motor skills she will need as she learns to write. I use toys that allow us to trace, erase and write it over again. This allows her to become familiar with the toy and we do not waste tons of paper as we have fun practicing.

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THE 3 B’s

Books – Children should have books of their own. In today’s society, we value what we own. Children should also have a library card and have access to the library as often as possible. Allowing children to help “pick out” good books helps them develop a love of reading and encourages them to show topics they are interested in. Make sure they are age appropriate for the child and then sit with them and share in each new discovery as they read/flip through the pages of the book.

Book Baskets Everywhere - Have baskets of children's books around the house so that children have ready access to books. Change the books out every month or more to add a variety of topics, illistration styles, and keep the children coming back for more.

Bed Light - Allowing a child to “read themselves to sleep”. I have found that a reading lamp next to my daughter's bed has allowed her to read before falling asleep. We have less of a "battle" when she is "not tired" and can read. This does not last very long as she relaxes with her book of choice and falls asleep quickly.

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THE 3 P’s

Pleasure - The more pleasurable a task is, the more we practice it. Choose a variety of good children’sbooks for your child (and you) to enjoy. Have fun reading, talking about the story, talking about the pictures, “making up voices” while reading, etc. Also allow your child to help pick out the books they would like to read. If they enjoy the “topic” the more pleasure they will get out of reading the book.

Practice - The more the child practices reading, the more proficient they become. Practice with your child every day. Encourage your child by letting them know what a great reader they are. Make this a fun time for you and your child to share.

Proficiency - The more proficient the child becomes at reading, the easier reading is and more pleasurable so the child will want to keep readingkeep. This "practice" makes the child more proficient so they enjoy reading more so they want to read!

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THE 5 R’S

Rhyme: The strong patterns in rhymes help children to become more aware of how language works and enjoy playing with words that rhyme. Rhymes help children see the link between letters, sounds and patterns.

Rhythm: Tuning into the rhythms and patterns of the book, humming or singing their way through and noticing patterns like the refrain.

Repetition: Allows for joining in with repeated phrases and easily remembering the text.

Relate: Make connections between the book and their own lives and the other books they know.

READ IT AGAIN!

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The 3 W’s

Writing Tools: Children should have access to pencils, crayons, finger paint, pens, paper, stamp sets, stencils, etc.

Writing Skills: Encourage the use of writing skills as part of daily life. Write lists, letters, personal journal, diary, family message board, bulletin board, “my daily log”.

Word Collections: Get a recipe box, index cards and alphabetized dividers. Write down any word your child wishes to learn to read. This is also a good way to teach letter sequencing and filing.