HOME & PARENTS
Literacy at Home
There are so many opportunities for children to engage in reading and writing when they are out of the classroom! In order to support the development of these skills, set up spaces in your home where your child can practice and make literacy a part of their daily life.
These spaces do not need to be large, and they don’t need to cost a lot to create. The key is that your child sees that reading and writing are important and has the chance to engage in these activities throughout the day.
Reading Spaces
- Keep books in your home low and easily accessible so that children can reach them on their own. If you don’t have a low shelf, a basket or bin is a great alternative.
- When setting out books, keep the covers visible so that children are drawn in by the pictures.
- Make your reading nook cozy! Use pillows, a comfy chair, or a blanket to make it an inviting space children want to spend time in.
- Make your special reading space as quiet as possible—readers concentrate better when they are not distracted by TV or music. If there is lots of bustle in the living room, consider using a bedroom corner or other low-traffic areas.
- One way to make your reading spot really special is to create your own books together as a family and add them to your home library.
Writing Spaces
- Keep child-friendly writing tools on hand. Children are more likely to take a moment to write something if they can quickly grab what they need. Create a “Writer’s Box” by putting pencils, crayons, pieces of paper, cards, stickers, and other tools into a shoebox or small plastic bin. Ask your child to write a label and decorate the box.
- Keep a list of fun writing ideas handy. This could be a binder ring of index cards with different ideas, or just a list posted on the wall. When your young writer is looking for inspiration, she will not have to look far.
- Decorate the writing space by hanging up notes from family members, cards, or stories your child has written. These will provide inspiration and examples for your child to model his own writing on.
- If you are short on space, you don’t need to have two separate places for reading and writing—you may be able to find a spot in your home that can serve double duty. For example, consider making your cozy reading nook a little more writer-friendly by adding a clipboard or lap desk. If you already have a table to use for writing, put a few pillows on the ground nearby so your child can relax with a book.
The most important thing is to create a literacy-friendly environment at home so your child can practice the skills they are learning. Try it at home!
Build Your Home Library!
Whether you’re looking for a book to read before bedtime or searching for a diverse selection of titles to add to your child's library, visit our blog to learn more all our collections!
