- Families can read together, or
they may join in a story told by the library storyteller. Some
libraries also set up family activities around the readings for the
week, including watching movies and making projects.
- Computers
can't replace the reading and writing activities mentioned earlier in
this book. But computers can support what these activities teach your
child. Many computer programs offer activities that can both grab your
child's interest and teach good lessons.
- Many
children enjoy TV, and they can learn from it. Keep in mind though that
small children often imitate what they see, good or bad. It's up to you
to decide how much TV and what kinds of shows your child watches.
- Limit the time you let your child watch TV.
- Encourage your child to read at least 15 minutes a day either by themselves or with you.
- Remember to make reading fun.
- Take the word apart and look for pieces you know.
- Stop & Think - Does it look right? Does it sound right? Does it make sense?
- Substitute a word that makes sense and keep reading.
- Ask a friend.
- Say each sound and slide to the end of the word.
- Look for picture clues.
- Leap over the word read to the end, then go back and start again.
- Go back and start over Reread quickly.
- Make sure that everyone in your family has a library card. Schedule regular trips to the library.
- Encourage your children to join a book club.
- Ask
your child to read a short editorial printed in your local newspaper
and to underline all the facts with a green pencil and all the opinions
with an orange pencil.
- Pictures
fascinate children of all ages. Clip pictures in the newspaper. Ask
your child to tell you about the picture or list adjectives to describe
the picture.
- Create a "Family
Reading Night" Pick a theme such as, "western", "multicultural" or
"decades like the 60's." Have dinner and dress-up to go with your
theme. Select books that are appropriate - invite friends and neighbors.
- Have a tutor help your child to increase their reading ability.
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