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Gwinnett County Public Schools

How Families Can Support Literacy at Home

How Families Can Support Literacy at Home

Encouraging literacy at home is a powerful way for parents to foster a love for reading and learning in their children. Whether your child is just starting Kindergarten or about to graduate high school, these detailed tips and strategies will help you support their literacy development throughout their educational journey.

For Kindergarten to Grade 2

  1. Read Aloud Daily: Make reading a part of your daily routine. Choose books that are appropriate for your child's age and interests, and take the time to read together. Discuss the pictures, ask questions, and let your child predict what might happen next.
    Father and daughter reading
  2. Create a Reading Nook: Set up a cozy reading space filled with books, cushions, and good lighting. A dedicated area can make reading feel like a special and enjoyable activity.
     
  3. Use Interactive Books: Pop-up books, lift-the-flap books, and sound books can make reading more engaging for young children. These interactive elements can capture their interest and make reading fun.
     
  4. Play Word Games: Engage your child in word games like "I Spy" with letters or sounds, rhyming games, and simple crossword puzzles. These games can help build their vocabulary and phonemic awareness.
     
  5. Encourage Writing: Provide your child with paper, crayons, and markers to encourage them to write. They can start with drawing pictures and gradually move on to writing letters and words. Celebrating their efforts, no matter how small, will boost their confidence.

 

For Grades 3 to 5

  1. Read Together: Continue to read with your child, but also encourage independent reading. Take turns reading chapters aloud, and discuss the story together. This helps improve comprehension and keeps them interested.
     
  2. Boy writing at home
    Explore Different Genres: Introduce your child to various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels. This exposure will help them find what they enjoy most and expand their reading horizons.
     
  3. Connect Reading to Real Life: Relate the stories you read to real-life experiences. For example, if you're reading a book about animals, plan a trip to the zoo or watch a nature documentary together.
     
  4. Start a Family Book Club: Choose a book that the whole family can read and discuss together. This can create a sense of community and make reading a shared activity.
     
  5. Encourage Creative Writing: Provide prompts or story starters to inspire your child to write their own stories. They can also keep a journal to practice writing regularly.

 

How Parents Can Support Literacy at Home for Grades 6-12 Students 

As students progress through middle and high school, literacy development remains a crucial foundation for academic success. Parents can play a key role in fostering a positive reading and literacy environment at home, even as their children grow older. Below are some practical tips and strategies for parents to help support literacy development for grades 6-12 students.

 

For Middle School (Grades 6-8)

  1. Foster Independent Reading: Encourage your child to choose their own books and read independently. Help them find books that match their interests.
     
  2. Discuss Books: Have conversations about the books your child is reading. Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and deeper comprehension.
    Teen boy writing
  3. Use Technology: Utilize e-books, audiobooks, podcasts, and educational apps to make reading more accessible and enjoyable. These resources can also be helpful for children with different learning styles.
     
  4. Connect Reading to Other Subjects: Show how reading is relevant to other subjects, like science and history. Encourage your child to read articles, watch documentaries, and conduct research on topics that interest them. This will help them create a network of knowledge.
     
  5. Promote Writing: Encourage your child to write essays, short stories, and even poems. Offer constructive feedback and celebrate their achievements. Writing is an essential part of literacy development.
     
  6. Literacy Games: Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or online literacy games that can make learning fun and interactive.
     
  7. Audiobooks and Podcasts: Introduce your teen to audiobooks and educational podcasts. These can be a great way to engage with stories and information.
     
  8. Library Visits: Regular trips to the library can expose your teen to a wide range of books and resources. Let them explore and choose books that interest them.

 

For High School (Grades 9 to 12)

  1. Encourage Diverse Reading: Support your teenager in exploring diverse authors and perspectives. Reading books that cover different cultures, histories, and viewpoints can broaden their understanding of the world.
     
  2. Discuss Complex Themes: Engage your teen in discussions about the complex themes and issues presented in their reading materials. This can improve their analytical skills and help them form their own opinions.
    teen boy reading
  3. Support Academic Reading: Help your teen develop strong reading strategies for their academic studies. Encourage them to take notes, highlight important information, and summarize what they’ve read.
     
  4. Encourage Research Projects: Motivate your teen to pursue research projects on topics they are passionate about. This can involve reading books, articles, and online resources and will enhance their research and critical-thinking skills.
     
  5. Promote Writing for Expression: Support your teen in writing for various purposes, whether it's creative writing, academic essays, or personal reflections. Writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression and communication.
     
  6. Current Events: Encourage your teen to read newspapers, magazines, or online articles about current events to promote real-world connections. Discuss these topics together to build critical-thinking and comprehension skills. 
     
  7. Audiobooks and Podcasts: Introduce your teen to audiobooks and educational podcasts. These can be a great way to engage with stories and information.
     
  8. Book-to-Movie Comparisons: Read a book and then watch its movie adaptation together. Discuss the differences and similarities, and analyze how the story was adapted for the screen.

 

Supporting literacy at home is an ongoing journey that evolves as your child grows. By incorporating these tips and strategies into your daily routines, you can help your child develop a love for reading and strong literacy skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Remember, the key is to make reading and writing enjoyable, and create meaningful experiences that can be shared and celebrated as a family.

 


 

Resources

How to Support Your Student at Home with Language Arts

Elementary: 

Middle and High: 


Gwinnett Literacy Actions:

Literacy Actions

 

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