In the first day newsletter, I stress the importance of developing an at-home reading routine. I’m sure that many families already have some routines in place, such as reading to your child before bed. If I may, I’d like to share some tips that I’ve learned in the last few years - many of these come from experienced teachers and other experts in the area of literacy.
- I suggest 5-10 minutes a day to begin. You can adjust the length of time as your child grows as a reader, or as you settle into a school-day routine.
- Pick a time when your child can focus. Every child loves to be cuddled and read to before bed - don’t turn this lovely time into work. Pick first thing in the morning, or as dinner is cooking, for example.
- Do it everyday! Sometimes your child won’t want to, and sometimes you won’t want to. Sometimes you will be very busy and it will seem like an impossible task. Try to be consistent with the time of day and treat it with the same importance as eating a meal or brushing your teeth.
- At first, it will be you doing the bulk of the reading while you help your child review the sounds we are working on at school. Make sure they are involved in the reading as much as they can be, for example, ask them to look for letters or sounds (e.g., “a”). Ask them to tell you what’s happening in the pictures, or guess what will happen next or how the story will end. Ask them to look for words of the week before you begin reading.
- You can read in English too! You don’t need my permission to read to your kids in English, or whatever language you speak at home. Kids can learn multiple languages simultaneously. Because reading and word work is the only at-home-work that I assign, I would love for every family to read at least 1 short French book everyday, but what you read in other languages will also contribute to your child’s growth as a reader.
- But I don’t speak French! Neither did my parents. I think that you’ll find that you are able to follow along and learn along with your child for at least the first few years. I’ll try to explain what I’m teaching the children via the blog so that you can be their “at-home” teacher. Without knowing a syllable of French, you can still work on letter names, holding a pencil properly, tracing letters neatly and in the lines and discuss the pictures in French books.
- Above all, make sure it’s manageable for you and your family. Working with your child is important, but it should always be enjoyable. If it becomes overwhelming, shorten the amount of time, do a few shorter segments, play reading games, take turns reading or talk to me and we can brainstorm solutions together.
I thank you in advance for all your amazing help and dedication this year. Your efforts at home will go a long way and contribute greatly to your child’s success!