TIPS TO PROMOTE LITERACY AT HOME
1.) Help your child select books for independent reading. Let your child choose their own books, but make sure that the books are not too difficult. To test out a book, have them read it out loud; if they read a page and make five or more errors without self-correcting, the book is too hard for them.
2.) Read aloud to your children as often as possible, for as long as possible. Or, take turns reading to each other. (Magazines and newspapers count!)
3.) Read books that you and your children are passionate about. If you aren't excited about the book, your listeners won't be excited about it either!
4.) Talk about books. Ask your child about the books they're reading in school. What are their favorite parts? What connections are they making to real life or to other books they've read? Talk about any books (or articles, etc.) you're reading, too, and consider reading your child's book so you can discuss it.
5.) Build a routine for reading. Set aside about 30 minutes each day for "reading time." Make sure that your child has a comfortable, bright, clean, and quiet place to read.
6.) If your child is really bored by a book, let them choose another one!
7.) Don't interrupt reading time. If your child is reading, let them continue.
8.) Encourage your child to read to others, such as a younger sibling, cousin, or friend.
9.) Listen to books on tape.
10.) Search online for free books and learning resources:
Scholastic Free Remote Resources
Books Are Magic Instagram (Instagram Live author interviews, drawing classes and more!)
20 Learning Activities to Keep Kids Busy
NYTimes Daily Writing Prompts (13 yrs and older)
11.) Play word games, such as Boggle and Scrabble.
12.) Help them build their vocabulary by becoming word conscious. Help them use a dictionary to look up new words, discuss words, and identify new or interesting words.