5 ways to support your child’s literacy development
As we head into a new school year, many parents want to know how they can best support their child’s learning in reading, writing and spelling at home. Let's explore my Top 5 tips…
Read Aloud Every Day:
Reading aloud regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development. By reading aloud you can model expression, pace and your child can focus on listening to the content of the story.
Tip: Read high interest and vocabulary rich texts to your child. Engage in interactive reading by pausing to ask questions and discuss the story. This fosters comprehension skills and a love for reading.
Phonics Activities:
The National Reading Panel advocates for systematic phonics instruction to enhance early reading skills. For more success when implementing this,
Tip: Try to focus on the current or previous rules your child has/is learning in the classroom .Incorporate phonics games and activities to make learning letter-sound relationships enjoyable. Online resources like Reading Rockets and the Learning Matters Leap into Literacy videos offer interactive tools.
Build Vocabulary Through Conversation:
There is a significant correlation between vocabulary exposure and academic success. In fact, Hart and Risley state that “approximately 1000 root word meanings per year are needed to sustain vocabulary growth from kindergarten to grade two” (5-8 years old).
Tip: Engage in meaningful conversations with your child. Use varied and rich vocabulary to expand their word knowledge. Explore new topics together.
Creative Writing:
Writing activities enhance literacy skills and promote language development. Writing offers an opportunity for children to apply their learning in reading and spelling.
Tip: Encourage your child to write creatively. Provide simple writing prompts and support them in planning their ideas. When addressing known spelling errors, use phrases such as “[insert word] doesn’t look quite right, remember when you had it in your spelling homework, can you remember the rule?”
Create a Print-Rich Environment:
The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends a print-rich environment to support early literacy.
Tip: Surround your child with written language. Label items around the house, create a cozy reading nook, and display their artwork with written descriptions.
Remember, every child's literacy journey is unique. By incorporating these evidence-based strategies, we can lay a strong foundation for our little ones to develop as confident readers and learners. Best of luck for the 2024 school year and don’t be afraid to reach out to me for advice and support!
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). "Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice."
National Reading Panel. (2000). "Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implications for Reading Instruction."
Hart, B., & Risley, T. R. (2003). "The Early Catastrophe: The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3."
International Literacy Association. (2017). "Children's Writing Development: Assessing Writing Skills and Evaluating Writing Quality in Young Children."
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009). "Where We Stand on Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Evaluation."
https://www.learningmatters.co.nz/leap-into-literacy-activities/
