Family Engagement in Preschool and Elementary School
Reading and Early Literacy
Reading with children during preschool and early elementary years is one of the most important activities families can do to support academic development. Parent-child shared reading not only builds vocabulary and comprehension but also strengthens attentiveness and creativity.
To have greatest impact on children’s reading ability, parents can ask questions, practice letters and sounds, and connect stories to everyday life while reading with their children.
Weekly Tips for Families
Read with your child 5-7 times a week.
Spending only 15 minutes reading to young children can make a significant difference.
Make shared reading with your child interactive by asking questions, talking about the story, and connecting the story to your child’s life.
Allow your child to choose books he/she enjoys and set aside a comfortable reading space at home.
KEY RESOURCE
PBS Parents is a reputable resource for early literacy development.
It provides age-appropriate book ideas, games, and activities that are designed by experts. Parents can use the site by choosing activities that match their child’s age, building learning into everyday routines. PBS Parents also tips for parents to make reading and early literacy both academically engaging and fun.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/age-2/literacy/reading
Other Helpful Resources
Reading Rockets: practical age-specific tips for parents. https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/
Zero to Three: early literacy guidance for babies and toddlers.https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/for-families/
Scholastic Parents: booklists and reading advice.https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading.html
Child Mind Institute: tips for encouraging reluctant readers.https://childmind.org/article/encouraging-reluctant-readers/
