Many parents don't think of themselves as the ones who will teach their kids to actually read. Parents typically say that is what they send their kids to school for. However, there are simple, easy things that any parent or caregiver can do to enhance a child's early literacy skills to set them up to not only be competent readers but to love to read throughout their lifetime. This week I will share some tips and facts that I think you need to know about to help your kid be confident, secure and happier with their literacy skills.
Tips for different ages to encourage early literacy
This fall when I got involved in Denver's Road to Reading program and some early literacy campaigns I learned things that surprised me. For instance, children who are not grade level proficient by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. By fourth grade, in some states, half of the student population are not reading at grade level. These types of stats have a significant impact not just on academic functioning but also on a child's self esteem and attitude toward school that extends beyond the early school years.
I work with a fourth grade boy who I will call Justin. Justin was referred to me because he was new to his school and seemed sullen, disengaged, and had trouble making friends. When I met with he and his family I came to understand that Justin had moved around a lot and "didn't like school." He even shared that he felt "stupid" and knew that he was being pulled out for special help and was in the lowest reading and math groups. Justin has two younger siblings so while I am working with him on his confidence I am also working with him parents on early literacy skills with the younger siblings.
These are the tips that I shared with his family that they are now using daily to not only promote a love of reading in the home but also to give Justin a perfect big brother role in helping his younger siblings to read.
1. Talk - a baby or young child will connect the sound of a voice with mouth movement if he’s able to watch you speak up-close. When he can see your face and lips, he will start to understand that sounds and mouth movements usually go together. He will feel encouraged to make noises with his mouth when he sees your face and hears your voice, and he will begin to imitate your mouth movements as he gets older.
2. Read together - back and forth interaction with your child while reading is called “conversational reading” or “dialogic reading.” This is when the adult listens and asks questions, allowing the child to lead. This activity will help a child grow her vocabulary and comprehension of stories.
3. Turn up the music - use music to teach your child important skills like following directions and listening. Try singing the same song every time you get ready for a meal, start the bedtime routine, or change a diaper. Listening to music and nursery rhymes helps a child's brain develop. This applies to older children as well.
4. Play a game - set aside at least 15 minutes a day to play with your child. Play is important for her learning and is a good way to teach her how to talk back and forth. Even before your child has a lot of words, you can help her start learning by looking at her face to face, imitating her babble, and talking to her about her toys. When you have older children you can also play games like rhyming, opposites, states and capitals which will all stimulate learning.
5. Model reading - so many adults these days spend much of their work and free time on computers and phones. Naturally model for your child that you also have an interest in reading books, magazines or the newspaper.