At-Home Literacy Activities for PreK-6 Children
Reading and Writing Strategies for Promoting Family Literacy
May 9, 2009
Parents are the first and best teachers of literacy by the example they set, and by the emphasis they place on reading and writing practices in the home. When children witness the importance of good literacy habits and are immersed in a literacy-rich environment, they become motivated to learn oral and written language, and to use these language skills regularly for their own purposes. Most importantly, their practice leads to greater proficiency and enjoyment.
Family Literacy
Family literacy was a term coined in the early 1980s that refers to the everyday literacy practices that occur in the home, and researchers such as Denny Taylor (1998) have long documented what parents do to extend their children’s literacy learning. However, in recent years, the term has referred to programs offered through schools, which have an adult education component, a child education component, and an adult-child activity designed to be done together.
But family literacy cannot be relegated to a specific evening or program. Literacy practices are woven into the fabric of everyday life, and children learn the most from watching what their parents do, or don’t do. Choosing to read for information and enjoyment, writing notes to friends, visiting the library regularly, discussing favorite authors, pointing out letters, sounds, signs and labels – all these are examples of the ways literacy can be emphasized every day.
Reading Strategies
Reading to children of all ages is the single best way to promote literacy in the home. However, when children get older, this may be more difficult. For children who are reading independently, try having them read to parents while cooking or cleaning up in the evening or to younger siblings for practice. Share favorite childhood books and discuss why certain authors are appealing. Take children of all ages to visit the library regularly.
Owning books is important for children, too. Whenever possible, visit a bookstore, scour garage sales, and give books as gifts to build an appropriate children’s library at home. Make reading a preferred activity by instituting Reading Nights once in awhile, when the TV is turned off, and the whole family spends an evening reading.
Writing Strategies
Young children naturally enjoy writing, and making books with them to include in the family library is an easy way to incorporate meaningful writing into their day. Older children also enjoy writing stories, but may especially appreciate being able to compose on an old typewriter or computer. Writing newsy letters to grandparents or other family members provides good writing practice. Keep a memo board available, and regularly leave notes for immediate family members, too.
Family journaling can be very rewarding as well. Develop a list of simple questions (or use one of the many conversation starter card sets available) and have each family write and share a response to the prompt. Playing word games such as Scrabble or Password, or doing crossword or word search puzzles, can help with necessary vocabulary and spelling skills.
Family literacy activities bolster what children are learning in school and allow them to see the real world uses, and the fun of reading and writing. Children who practice literacy skills outside of the classroom greatly improve their proficiency, but more importantly develop literacy habits that lead them to becoming lifelong learners.
Further Reading
Taylor, Denny. Family Literacy: Young Children Learning to Read and Write. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 1998.
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