Families at Home

All parents can be helpful in their children's literacy development, regardless of their language, education, or literacy level. Parents who speak little or no English can contribute to their children's education in valuable ways. English language learners may benefit when they develop solid literacy skills in their first language before learning to read in a second one. Through Spanish, they are developing key language and literacy skills that may enable them to become excellent readers in English. Here are some suggestions:

1. Storytelling

2. “Read” wordless picture books

3. Say rhymes and sing songs

4. Make frequent trips to the library

5. Engage in meaningful conversations

6. Watch educational children’s television programs together.