Story Time in the Park

Early Learners Reading Tips for Parents

Building your child's literacy skills doesn't require formal training or fancy materials.

Start Early: Reading to children, even as infants, exposes to the sounds and rhythms of language. Simple board books, nursery rhymes, and songs create a strong foundation.

Model Reading Behavior: Let your child see you reading. Whether it's a book, magazine, or recipe, modeling the behavior shows that reading is valuable and enjoyable.               

Ask questions: Encourage your child to think critically about stories by asking open-ended questions. For example, "Why do you think the character made that choice?"

Make it interactive: Use voice, props, or gestures to bring stories to life. Interactive reading makes the experience fun while aiding in comprehension.                     

Celebrate Progress: Whether they learn a new letter sound or read their first sentence, celebrate every step forward. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivation. 

The Joy of Family Reading Activities

Few experiences are as rewarding as sharing together. Engaging in family reading activities fosters connection, communication, and creativity. Here are a few ideas: 

Family Story Time: Dedicate a specific time each evening for shared reading. Rotate who chooses the book to keep it exciting and inclusive.                                             

Themed Reading Adventures: Pair books with related activities. For example, after reading about animals, visit a zoo or create animal crafts at home.                             

Word Hunts: Turn a walk or grocery store trip into a literacy game by spotting specific words or letters.                                                                                                                       

Book Club for Kids: Invite your child's friends over for a story session, followed by a related craft or snack. It's a wonderful way to build community around reading.         

Record a Story: Let your child record themselves reading a favorite book. They'll love hearing their progress and sharing it with family members.

Dedicate a Reading Space

Create a cozy reading nook in your home that invites your child to spend time reading. This doesn't need to be a large space-a corner of a room or a small part of your living room can be transformed with some cushions, good lighting, and easy access to books. This dedicated spot can become a sanctuary for your child to explore new stories and adventures, making it a central part of a reading-friendly home.

Keep a Variety of Reading Materials 

A key component of literacy-rich environments is having a diverse array of reading materials accessible. Stock your shelves with a range of books, magazines, and newspapers suitable for all age levels and interests. Include both fiction and non-fiction to spark curiosity and provide knowledge on a wide array of topics, which helps develop a well-rounded reader. Additionally, rotating these materials regularly can keep the selection fresh and exciting for your child, encouraging them to explore new topics and literacy genres further enriching their learning experience.

Set a Routine

Consistency is crucial for building any skill, including reading. Establish a daily reading routing that fits naturally into your family’s schedule. Perhaps reading could be a winding-down activity before bedtime or a quiet morning start. Regular parental involvement in reading not only improves proficiency but also shows your child that reading as a habit rather than a chore, embedding it deeply into their daily activities and ensuring it becomes a lifelong practice.

Lead by Example

Children imitate the behaviors they see. Let your child see you reading books, newspapers, or magazines. Discuss what you've read at meals or share interesting facts with them. Your engagement with reading material demonstrates its importance and enjoyment, encouraging your child to develop similar habits. When children observe their parents regularly enjoying and prioritizing reading, it reinforces the activity's value and normalizes it as a part of daily life, promoting a more sustained interest in their reading development.

Discuss What You Read

Talking about reading materials at home can enhance comprehension and verbal skills. Ask your child questions about the stories they read, discuss the characters, and connect the themes to real-life situations. This type of parental involvement in reading deepens their understanding and makes the reading process interactive and engaging. Encouraging your child to express their opinions and thoughts about the story also fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for academic success and personal growth.

Incorporate Technology Wisely

In today's digital age, home literacy tips can also include the use of educational apps and e-books. These digital tools can complement traditional reading methods and help develop digital literacy skills. However, it's important to balance screen time with physical books to maintain a diverse reading experience.

Visit Libraries and Bookstores

Regular visits to libraries and bookstores can be an exciting adventure for children. Many libraries also offer story hours and literacy programs for young readers which can be a fun way for your child to engage with books and meet other children with similar interests. This exposes them to a community of readers and further solidifies the importance of reading in their lives. 

Here you will find the at home hands on activities lesson plans based on the book that was read each day.  Lesson Plans week 1 through 5 

Albuquerque Public Library

New Mexico State Library

Dion's Club Read

For any questions or concerns please contact extendedlearning@aps.edu.