Does your family read?
Literacy Day is coming up soon, and I am looking forward to reading some fun short stories with my daughters.
It seemed like forever when I was tucking in my toddlers and reading them goodnight stories at bedtime.
Since my children are nearing high school age, they have become very independent readers, and they do LOVE their books. Their interests range from Ghost and Mystery novels to Nonfiction Eyewitness books, which cover just about any topic. One of my daughters managed to read the complete Lemony Snicket’s “Series of Unfortunate Events” half a dozen times! At times, I was cringing at her fascination with these “dark and desolate” seeming books. But I am sure that her daily reading is the reason she has turned out to be an excellent reader and speller.
This year Literacy day is being held on January 27th and during this week families can find a number of fun reading activities throughout the community.
Besides checking your local Libray for programs, you may also want to visit the http://abclifeliteracy.ca website. There it a wealth of links and tips to help your kids get started with reading.
Add Reading into Your Everyday Life
With my children, I often tried to incorporate little things into reading activities.
You do not even have to go out and purchase items like flash cards, phonics material or or books.
1. DIY Flash Cards
For example, instead of using store bought flash cards to learn simple words create your own. Cut a few pieces of paper and write words that maybe include your kids hobbies and interests.
2. Use free flyers and catalogues
why not read a store flyer together? Anything from Walmart to Department stores and Toy’s R Us flyers.
These are free, include pictures and offer a huge variety of new words and spelling opportunities.
3. Write a Lists
Write a shopping list, Christmas list or birthday list together and have your children help spell and write the words. That’s a very practical and goal orientated way to learn.
4. Anytime Can be Story time
No time for bedtime stories? Maybe you have some quiet time morning.
Why not have a morning story or lunch story, or whatever fits your schedule the best?
5. Read Your Way Through Town
While you drive through the city or town, read street signs and store signs together. That will make the trip seem more interesting, and it’s another great way of adding another reading activity without having to devote extra time.
There are many natural ways to add some additional reading time during the day.
What strategies have helped you spark your child’s interest in reading?
about:
Family Literacy Day is a National Canadian Campaign to engage Families in reading and literacy related activities.
The annual event is being held on January 27th and there are a number of great ways to get your family involved
more at http://abclifeliteracy.ca