Reading At Home
Extending reading activities into the home is crucial for first grade readers. The extra time supports reading development for your child. Activities provide opportunities to practice skills learned in school, such as phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Additional reading time helps children become more fluent readers, enabling them to read more quickly and accurately. Lastly, exposure to new words and phrases helps children build their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.
Parents can significantly contribute to their child's literacy development by encouraging reading at home. Engaging in enjoyable reading activities can spark a lifelong love of reading. As well, shared reading experiences can create strong bonds between parents and children. A collaborative effort sets children up for success in school and beyond.
At-Home Activities
Read Aloud: Spend time each day reading aloud to your child. Choose a variety of books, from picture books with rhyme and character driven stories to informational picture books, easy-to-read chapter books and chapter books with illustrations.
Shared Reading: Read books together, taking turns reading aloud. This helps build fluency and comprehension.
Independent Reading: Encourage your child to read independently for at least 20 minutes each day. If your child is resistant, build their resilience by starting with 10 minutes and lengthening the allotted time week by week.
Visit the Library: Take your child to the library regularly to choose new books.
Word Games: Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or word searches to build vocabulary and spelling skills.
Create a Reading Nook: Design a cozy reading space in your home to encourage your child to curl up with a good book.
Online Resources
Raz-Kids: This online reading program offers a variety of leveled books and activities. https://www.raz-kids.com/
Epic!: A digital library with thousands of books for kids of all ages.
Starfall: This website offers interactive reading and math games.
ABCmouse: This learning academy offers reading, math, and other subjects.
PBS Kids: This website offers games and activities based on popular PBS Kids shows.
https://www.pbswesternreserve.org/education/ready-to-learn/
Activities to Keep Students Engaged in Reading and Extension Activities
Book Clubs: Have your child join a book club to discuss books with other students.
Reading Challenges: Set reading goals and offer rewards for reaching them.
Create a Reading Journal: Have your child write about the books they've read.
Write Book Reviews: Encourage your child to write reviews of the books they've read.
Visit the Library: Take your child to the library regularly to choose new books.
Games that Engage
Word Bingo: Create bingo cards with words and pictures.
Storytelling Games: Take turns adding a sentence to a story.
Charades: Act out characters or scenes from books.
Scavenger Hunts: Hide clues around the house that lead to a book or a reading activity.
Board Games: Play board games that involve reading and following directions.
Why These Activities and Resources? Offering a variety of engaging activities caters to different learning styles. They provide a stimulating environment in which children feel safe to explore reading and writing.
Remember, the most important thing is to make reading fun and enjoyable for your child. Our collaborative efforts can help them develop a lifelong love of reading.