Literacy Lifestyles

Resources for parents to make reading a regular habit

Reading is an important activity that is essential to the academic success of our students. In the 21st century, reading is vital to accessing all content areas; we read in mathematics, science, social studies, art, physical education and more. However, so much time in school is spent teaching our students how to read, we forget that it is also a leisure activity. We read for the joy, entertainment, and critical thinking that we can experience with a book.

One way that we can encourage our children to enjoy reading is to do our best as caregivers to make reading part of their daily activities. Reading with your child sends a very important message that reading is IMPORTANT!

Through hearing stories and reading with others, children are exposed to and learn a wide range of words and new concepts. 

Literacy Lifestyles is a series of resources for parents and caregivers to engage in reading, writing, and language activities with their children. The lessons offer quick and practical ways to work with your child on different components of literacy. Each Literacy Lifestyle gives a book recommendation for that activity.

Connect a Story with Important Topics

Read a book with your child and discuss issues like race, gender and economic status.

What Are You Thinking Activity

Read a book with your child and practice inferring what the characters are thinking.

Teacher Appreciation

Have your child use their imagination and writing skills to say thank you.

Intonation Matters Activity

Read a book with your child and practice how intonation and phrasing help us understand the meaning.

Emotional Recall Activity

Read a book with your child and practice the skill of understanding the characters.

Story Recall Activity

Read a book with your child and make a game out of remembering the story.

Make a Restaurant Activity

We may not be able to go to our favorite eateries, but with a little help from your child, you can have a restaurant at home.