WAB Learns: MS Parents: Literacy Activities

Importance of reading aloud

The importance of reading aloud to older kids
Most parents are aware of the importance of reading aloud to their children, and bedtime stories are often a favorite ritual. The practice of reading aloud, however, falls by the wayside as kids become more independent readers and schedules become busier. Reading out loud to older children and tweens, however, is hugely important. ....
Science Proves Reading To Kids Really Does Change Their Brains
Pediatricians often recommend parents routinely read aloud to their young children.
Now, for the first time, researchers have hard evidence that doing so activates the parts of preschoolers' brains that help with mental imagery and understanding narrative -- both of which are key for the development of language and literacy...

The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller; Jeff Anderson (Foreword by)
ISBN: 9780470372272
Publication Date: 2009-03-16
Miller's unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the world of literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves. Her love of books and teaching is both infectious and inspiring. The book includes a dynamite list of recommended "kid lit" that helps parents and teachers find the books that students really like to read.
The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
ISBN: 0143037390
Publication Date: 2006-07-25
The Read-Aloud Handbook offers proven techniques and strategies--and the reasoning behind them--for helping children discover the pleasures of reading and setting them on the road to becoming lifelong readers.
Reading Magic by Mem Fox; Judy Horacek (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780156035101
Publication Date: 2008-07-07
Best-selling children's author and internationally respected literacy expert Mem Fox reveals the incredible emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read.

Expand your mind

Dinnertime conversation to stimulate reading
How to use dinner time to stimulate reading

FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

English is not our home language should I still read to my child?

Yes you should still read to your child but in your own language. Research shows that a strong foundation in the home language is beneficial to language skills in any language. Do not stop speaking and reading your language to your child.

What about Audiobooks – can my child listen to books?

Audiobooks are a wonderful supplement to reading and can help children access more complicated works and are also valuable while a child is developing (English) language skills and their oral comprehension is better than their reading level. Do however continue paired reading so that they continue to develop their reading skills.

My child only reads comics and easy books – how can I stop this?

Let them continue reading their favourite books independently while you introduce books with richer themes and vocabulary when you read aloud to them, or during paired reading.

My child wants to read the same book all the time! How can I stop this?

Continue reading these books, the familiarity is comforting to them. Try to read their favourite book and another new book, experimenting with the order.

What about the classics?

I'm often asked why I don't encourage children more to read the "classics" that many parents remember from their youth. There are many reasons for my reluctance, the main one being that "one size doesn't fit all". When I was growing up, child and youth literature was still in its infancy and we were all therefore exposed to and expected to read from the limited offerings of a core literature, often one which was alien to us culturally and philosphically, but read it we did as there was little or no alternative. Now there is. I would ask you to read this very thoughtful essay on the classics and how they may lead to aliteracy - children who can read but don't want to.

Dav Pilkey - Dyslexia

Qualities of a Strong Reader:

1. Dedicate time to reading
Strong readers dedicate a significant part of their time reading and make it a priority. They make use of "lost" time such as waiting for the bus, travelling or time in-between activities to read.
Support tip: Encourage your child to always have a book or audiobook with them to read or listen to.
2. Can choose books themselves
Strong readers can confidently choose a book to read that meets their interests, needs and reading ability. They can tap into recommendations by peers, teachers and librarians.
Support tips: Discuss how they found the books they read, how they decide whether to read a book or abandon it. Find out what types of books, genres or formats they prefer
3. Share books with others
Strong readers enjoy discussing books as well as reading them. They explore ways to be involved with reading communities.
Support tips: "Children read more when they see other people reading" says Stephen Krashen - literacy expert - so read yourself!
Talk about the books you're reading and share favourite parts and encourage your children to do the same.
4. Have reading plans
Strong readers plan ahead beyond their current book. They anticipate new books in a series, and have a "to read" list. Reading is a habit rather than an enforced or once-of activity.
Support tips: promote series that can become a reading plan for students struggling to maintain momentum. This way students build up confidence and comprehension as they build up background knowledge of the series as they go along.
Challenge students to set up a plan to push themselves.
5. Validate and expand
Strong readers have preferences for certain genres or formats but are willing to explore other materials. In this way they build up comprehension across a variety of text types and expand their vocabulary and knowledge.
Support tips: validate the choices your child makes while encouraging them to explore different alternatives. Fiction and nonfiction pairings can expand their range. Model your own reading across genres and text types.

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MS Parents: Literacy Activities

Importance of reading aloud

Expand your mind

Dav Pilkey - Dyslexia

Qualities of a Strong Reader:

20 minutes reading