Literacy is the basis of learning

Parents and other caregivers can help children develop reading skills:

• Lead by example and let children see you regularly reading newspapers, books and magazines.
  

• Explain that printed matter can be full of useful information by showing them how to use TV guides, dictionaries and cookbooks.
  

• Play word-oriented games.
  

• Read stories together.
  

• Have plenty of books appropriate to your child's reading level in the house.
  

• Let children read and choose from the menu when out for a meal.

To develop writing skills:

• Lead by example; let children see you regularly writing for different reasons, such as writing letters and lists or filling in forms.
  

• Make sure children have a ready supply of pencils, markers, paper and other writing materials.
  

• Encourage them to start their own journal to record activities, thoughts and special occasions.
  

• Ask your child to make or decorate birthday, thank you or other occasion cards.

Storyline Online

Would you like to hear and watch Elijah Wood (Frodo in The Lord of the Rings) reading Me and My Cat? Or Amanda Bynes reading The Night I followed the Dog? Or Lou Diamond Phillips reading The Polar Express? Tune in to the Storyline Online site created by Screen Actors and Guild Foundation BookPALS program.
[More...]

See Also:

Literacy Links | Literacy Facts | Recommended Reading Lists | Games & Tip Sheets