top of page

Parent Activities

​

1. One experience that all children benefit from is being read to by a parent or guardian. While reading, parents or guardians should prompt the child with questions. The child's ability to answer these questions serves as a measurement for his or her comprehension of the reading material. It is important to explore both open and closed ended questions. When reading to a child, the parent or guardian should be sure to point out any new vocabulary words. Additionally, if the story has a rhyme scheme, it is beneficial to make note of this. Depending on how familiar the child is with books, it can also be helpful to teach he or she about the basic organization and handling of texts. This includes emphasizing that books should be treated with respect, and that words are read from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page. Reading should be a fun and enjoyable experience. It is important that any role models to the child express a positive attitude towards reading.

​

2. A second experience that children benefit from is taking a physical trip to the library. If parents or guardians act excited about going to the library, the child will probably join in on this excitement too. Allowing the child to possess his or her own library card is often a big step that makes he or she feel proud and independent. Furthermore, encouraging the child to pick out any book he or she pleases gives the child a sense of power and freedom when it comes to reading. Letting the child explore the library will open his or her eyes to the wonderful world of literature and all it has to offer.

​

3. A third experience children benefit from is witnessing a parent, guardian, or other housemate modeling reading. When a child sees someone in his or her home reading, he or she may be more likely to want to read as well. Seeing others reading often ignites a sense of curiosity within children. Additionally, if the child sees someone who he or she looks up to reading, then he or she may learn to value reading. It is critical that the child is surrounded by people who are modeling reading on a regular basis. Those in the home should express to the child that reading is enjoyable.

bottom of page