Visit the library (and/or bookstore) often
1.
Read to babies even before they can talk
Let your child see and touch the book
Play with voices and the sounds of words
2.
Have a wide variety of books available to children
Encourage children to look at books on their own
Set aside a family reading area and a family reading time
3.
Have children help you search for specific brands
Use the aisle markers with your child to find items
Match coupons to products
Have children write out grocery listsSet aside a family reading area and a family reading time
4.
Show your child how to read a recipe
Read the labels on ingredients together
Make a family cookbook of favorite recipes
Develop oral literacy by talking about family recipes and cooking tips
5.
Note signage during nature walks and other outings
Discuss logos
Ask children to point out print outside of the home environment
6.
Talk together about your family history
Look at old vacation photos and discuss your memories of the trip
Record your storytelling
7.
Choose songs with rhymes and word play
Play rhyming games with your child such as what other words sound like “honey”?
Challenge your child to sing or say rhymes as fast as they can and don’t forget to laugh if the results are silly
8.
Provide lots of writing materials (chalk, markers, crayons, and pencils)
Encourage your child to draw and write on their own
Encourage your child to write thank you notes to grandparents, make to-do lists, etc.
9.
Visit an art museum together and use storytelling to explain what is happening in the artwork. Allow your child to interpret the artwork however he/she views it
Have children create their own drawings, painting, sculptures, and even instillation pieces made from recyclables in your living room
Explain art with sentence strips on which children dictate to you what their artwork is about (consider making a recording in which the children can tell a story about their artwork)
10.
Make trips as often as you can
Encourage your child to get his or her own library card
Take advantage of library programs, such as read alouds and family book clubs
For more information, tips and resources, visit RIF.org Source: Reading Is Fundamental