Cathy Renner’s
Lifestyle Literacy Learning
Helping your child learn to read and write doesn't have to take a lot of extra time or money. here are some easy ways to build literacy skills, at home, in the sun, or on the run.
At home
-
Let your child see you reading and writing as you go through your day. Talk about what you read and write so your child can hear. Say: "I have to use a capital letter at the beginning of this sentence." "I'm not sure how to spell this word. I'll say it slowly and listen for the sounds I hear." "I'm asking Dad a question in this note, so I'd better use a question mark." (Print awareness)
-
Place alphabet magnets on your refrigerator or on another smooth, safe metal surface. When you are working in the kitchen, ask your child to name the letters she plays with and the sounds they make. Can she spell some words? (Phonics)
-
Buy alphabet soups, cereals and cookies and practice finding "letters of the day" with your child as you snack. Leave plenty of time-- this will not help you rush through lunch! (phonics)
-
Ask your child to tell you a new or interesting word she/he learned today. Does she/he know what it means? Write the word in a writer's journal or notebook. Have the child draw a picture to go with the word, or use it in a sentence. (Vocabulary)
Taken from the Michigan Department of Education.