Copy and Past Parent Tips

Use these tips for parents in your organization's publications. (Adapted from Literacy Begins at Home by the National Institute for Literacy)

"Get Ready to Read" checklist for parents of preschoolers.

_____ I help my child hear and say the first sound in words (like "b" in boat) and notice when different words start with the same sound (like "boat" and "book").

_____ I help my child hear words that rhyme (like moose, goose, and caboose).

_____ I introduce new words to my child, like "bow" and "stern," which mean the front of a boat and the back of a boat.

_____ I talk with my child about the letters of the alhabet and notice them in books, like "c" for canoe.

_____ I point out signs and labels that have letters, like street signs and foods in the grocery store.

_____ I encourage my child to find the joy and fun in reading. Usually, I let my child choose the books we read.

_____ I let my child pretend to read parts of the book when we read together.

_____ I talk with my child about stories and make connections to things that happen in our own lives.

_____ I ask "what," "where," and "how" questions when I read with my child to help her follow along and understand the stories.

_____ I help my child write notes or make books (like an alphabet book) even if his writing only looks like scribbles or marks.