Early Learning Foundational Skills: Literacy

https://www.maine.gov/doe/learning/foundational/literacy

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Reading together at home can foster a love for reading. Interactive and silly books read aloud can keep young students engaged when listening to a story aloud. Longer picture books and chapter books before bed or anytime during the day can help older students boost comprehension and vocabulary. Make sure to talk about what happened or what was taught about in the book. Chat about what questions you have or what it made you wonder about.  Reading with family, friends, and even pets all have amazing benefits for students. See this Reading Rockets article on 10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader.

Keeping a writing journal can be a great way strengthen writing skills and is a fun way for children to share their thinking. A journal can be used to write stories of events that have happened, a place to keep lists, or even a place to jot down your feelings. Some children might like to fill journals with information about topics of interest or keep notes about things around them. 

You could also try a dialogue journal. Write a note to your child in the journal and leave it somewhere for them to find. When you child reads the note, they can then add their own message. It could be a question, idea, or suggestion. This is not only a great way to practice writing, but also a bonding experience!

Source: Young, C., Paige, D., & Rasinski, T. V. (2022). Artfully teaching the science of reading. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

There are many ways to make practicing things like high frequency words fun. Sometimes it's all about the materials. Words can be traced in sand, shaving cream, or paint. You can build vocabulary words with lego or wiki stix. You can make silly stories with words from your spelling list. If you're looking for more fun ways to practice things at home, reach out to your child's teacher!

Sometimes you don't need any materials to practice phonemic awareness! You can sing songs, say nursery rhymes, or giggle over riddles to play with words. Have fun in the car or waiting in line by changing sounds in words to make new ones. All of these practices will help young students be prepared to become readers. 

Sometimes you just need a thinking partner. When you would like more information on how to support your child's literacy learning at home, reach out to their classroom teacher. Here's the staff directory for the elementary school and middle school. 

Check out some books at the Thompson Free Library!

SeDo Reads! is a reading incentive program used to motivate students to read independently (or with support) at home. Your classroom teacher will assign a goal of how many days you need to read for 20 minutes to earn a prize. When you have met your goal, return the reading log and you will receive your ticket! Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions!