Building Readers

Building Readers is a newsletter for parents, published monthly (Sept-May), that encourages parents to read to and with their children.

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“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”
—Joseph Brodsky

[Building Readers @BuildingReaders]

Word webs show connections between words and ideas. Put a concept in the center (space), then draw lines to other words (galaxy, explore).

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Give a fun quiz when your child finishes a book. Write down five easy true/false questions about the book. Let her show off what she knows!

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Challenge your child by saying a word, such as happy. Can he name a synonym (word with the same meaning) and an antonym (opposite meaning)?

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Using props can make story time even more fun. For example, read a book and then ask your child to act out the story with her favorite doll.

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Use alphabet books to teach letters and sounds and counting books to teach numbers. Look for books with colorful pictures and big print.

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Eat with phonics. For example: put a banana and bagel on one plate, cheese and chips on another. Have her eat from the “B” plate first.

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Read stories about American history this week! If you read some historical fiction, have your child compare life then to now.

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When you read with your child, ask questions like: What does the title tell us? Did the character make a good decision?

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“When I got my library card, that is when my life began.” —Rita Mae Brown

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A sight word is a word your child can recognize immediately while reading. Play games together to practice reading and writing sight words!

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Is your home full of books, magazines and newspapers? Are there boxes of crayons and pads of paper? These tools help build a reader.

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Your child’s early vocabulary is the biggest determining factor in her literacy later on. Language matters!

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Try to fit reading in naturally. Ask your child to help you read you a recipe, instructions or directions.

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It's okay if your child prefers comic books to traditional novels. What matters is that he's reading -- and enjoying it!

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Have your child dictate a story or letter and watch you write it. Then, have her add her own illustrations.

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Your child is never too old to listen to stories. While you read aloud, she gets to imagine, learn and simply enjoy words.

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If your child is learning to read, think of the journey as a “marathon,” not a “sprint.” With practice and patience, she’ll make progress.

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You know your child should read in his free time. But how much? The U.S. Department of Education suggests at least 30 minutes every day.

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Young readers can practice their reading skills in the kitchen. Your child can write the list and read the recipes aloud as you cook!