Read a story, play a game, bake a cake or sing a rhyming song! There are many fun and creative ways that families can build literacy skills with their child!

Held annually on January 27, Family Literacy Day helps raise awareness about the importance of engaging in reading and other literacy-related activities as a family.  The focus is on  the whole family because:

• By reading to children and engaging in fun literacy activities regularly, adults actively keep their own skills sharp and also help children improve their skills.
• Family literacy activities strengthen the relationship between family members which, in turn, encourages lifelong learning.
• Without adult support and a strong foundation at home, a child is less likely to be successful and engaged in school.

And reading with your child from the moment they are born, can help them build their language skills.  Research has found that hearing a variety of words consistently helps prepare young children for reading later in life, helps build their vocabulary and has a huge impact on their success at school.  And how best to teach your child early literacy skills than by talking, playing and reading with them.

By following your child’s lead, you let them know that you are interested in what they have to say, which will make them want to have longer conversations with you.

So remember to:

Talk about what you are doing,
Look your child in the eyes,
Listen as your child talks,
Read to your child each day,
Then talk about the story,
Praise your child,
Share one new word, song, craft or activity every day.
(from Open Doors to Family Literacy, YWCA Prince Albert)

Your child learns best when:

• they actively explore their environment.
• they are encouraged to make choices, plans and decisions.
• learning experiences are provided.
• there are opportunities to explore and play with other children or alone
• they are in environments that provide safe risks
• learning experiences respect each individual child
• all experiences are developmentally appropriate, based on the child’s abilities, interests and background experiences
• play is encouraged!

Here are some fun ideas you can try-out with your little one’s!

Create a print-rich environment!

• Have different reading materials in the home;
• Create a special time and place to read;
• Make reading fun;
• Take 15 minutes every day to read to your child;
• Be a reading role model;
• Visit your library and borrow books;
• Suggest books as gifts;
• Buy new and used books;
• Make your own books.

Develop oral language skills!

• Have conversations and discussions about stories;
• Act out a part from your favourite story;
• Help to build vocabulary;
• Practice rhymes and songs;
• Repeat and use new words often;
• Sound out words slowly;
• Break down spoken words into individual sounds;
• Make up words using sounds and letters.

Build alphabet knowledge!

• Identify the letters of the alphabet;
• Practice writing the alphabet;
• Learn alphabet songs;
• Spell familiar words on paper.

Practice writing-related activities!

• Show your child how to write;
• Draw a picture of your favourite book character;
• Use pencils, crayons or sticks in the sand.

And remember to read Side by Side with Your Child each day!

Children love stories. They come to understand that language, both spoken and written, has meaning. They learn they can turn the pages of a book, ask questions, share stories and have fun. Reading together is an interactive activity that children love.

During Reading:

• Have fun!
• Use a different voice for each character.
• Read with expression.
• As you read, occasionally stop and ask, “What do you think is going to happened next?”
• Run your finger under the words as you read.
• Encourage young children to “read” the pictures.
• Let children read the parts they know.
• Take turns reading.
• Read the words together.
• Listen to children’s comments and answer their questions

After Reading:

• Ask for your child’s opinion of the story.
• Ask if they had favourite parts or characters.
• Ask if the story should be recommended to a friend.
• Encourage your child to extend the story experience by:
  • retelling the story using puppets about the character;
  • telling or writing a new story about the characters;
  • creating a different ending;
  • telling the story from a different character’s point of view; and
  • acting out the story.

And most importantly- have fun!

Source: Learning with your Child: A Booklet for Parents. This booklet was funded by the Townshippers’ Foundation and produced in collaboration by Literacy in Action and the Yamaska Literacy Council, November 2007.