Support positive reading and writing experiences

It is important for kids to grow up believing in their ability as a reader and writer AND to view it as a positive experience. Parents can help by speaking positively about reading, writing, and school.

Encourage your child!  We all need extra help sometimes and mess up during the learning process.  That is OK!  

Let your child see you read: for work, for fun, to relax, and to learn.  They need to see and hear that reading is useful and pleasant.   For example, if you are about to look something up say, "I really want to know more about _____, so I am going to read about it." or "I'm ready to relax and enjoy a good book!"

Have conversations with your child

One of the best ways to help your child is the one of the easiest!  Simply have a conversation.  However, it can be a challenge at times  because we are all tired or don't know exactly what to say to keep the talking going.  Believe me, I know!

Here are some ideas:

"Tell me about the funnest (silliest, weirdest, etc.)  thing that happened today."

"Tell me about a cool thing you learned today."

Ask them about a book they are reading or something they watched on television.

Conversation Starters

More Conversation Starters

Even More Conversation Starters

Don't forget to put your two cents in as well!  They want to know about your day and it helps build their listening skills.

Read with your child

• Read a story or a chapter out loud at night to wind down.  It is great for them to hear you read.  Don't forget to talk about the interesting things in the story! Afterwards, say "Ok, let's go back over it and try to remember what happened.  What do YOU remember?" Ask them which was their favorite part and what might happen next.

• You can also take turns reading.  You can read a paragraph and then they can read the same paragraph again after they have heard you read it. Even if they (or you!)  mess up, it is great practice and I'm sure they would love to hear your encouragement.

• Look up and read things online together and discuss it.  Talk about the videos and images that are on sites alongside the print.  Ask them: Why do you think the writer picked those pictures or videos?

Read Aloud Booklist

Sara Hightower Library

Write with your child

Writing doesn't have to be stressful or academic for your child to learn.  Here are some ideas for making writing fun at home:

• Spend time journaling or writing in a diary together each week about things you are experiencing.

• Start a shared journal where you write to each other and pass it back and forth.  What an awesome keepsake! 

• Make lists together.  This is a great life skill!

• Write a thank you letter, get well note, or letter of encouragement to a friend or family member.