Are you looking for some ways to help your child at home? Here are a few things to try:
1. Read great books together! Whether it is a picture book or a longer text, take turns reading pages and discussing the ideas. Point out words you like and talk about why you like them. Help your child learn how exciting and rewarding reading can be! Note things authors did intentionally that help you as a reader - sentence structures, descriptive words, captions, titles, illustrations. Great writers read a lot and study the craft of other writers. Help your child tune in to some great writing today! Look for books that exemplify the 5 A's of quality text - Accuracy, Appealing, Artistry, Age-Appropriate, and Authority of the Author (does the author site an expert if this is non-fiction?).
Keep in mind that certain books are appropriate for certain ages-
* Under 2 - choose a board book that can take a little wear and tear.
*Ages 3-5 - choose great picture books, non-fiction books, and stories with lots of great picture support.
*Ages 6-8 - choose books with a few lines of print on each page that still offer picture support.
*Ages 9-12 - choose easy chapter books or non-fiction for younger children, and select topics of interest.
*Ages 12 and up - ask your child to identify favorite authors, series, or books on a certain topic that are of interest. Some magazines may be appealing as well - fishing, sports, etc. are popular with these ages.
2. Write together about a recent event, trip, or favorite place. Make a paper book that your child can illustrate, or try it on the computer if you enjoy using technology.
3. Allow your child to search supervised websites to learn about topics he or she may be interested in - National Geographic, Scholastic, NASA, etc. all have great sites for children! Encourage your child to write about what he/ she learned.
4. Consider ways to enhance learning through technology! Kindles, Sony Readers, or other devices allow you to download text for a fraction of the cost of books, and they read to your child. You can also download stories on MP3 players or Ipods. IPads are becoming another popular way to download texts for reading. For younger children, Leapsters and other Leapfrog products teach letters, sounds, tracking, and sight words.
5. Find ways to read for real! Read recipes and cook together, read craft books or activities and make something together, or take up a new hobby and research it together on-line.
If you have found other great ways to read and write with your child at home, please add a comment to this blog and share your ideas with others!
Happy Reading and Writing!! Mrs. Huntress
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