10 Ways to Fit Literacy Practice into Family Life

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines literacy as “the ability to read and write”. We all want our kids to be successful in life, and literacy plays a major role in achieving that success. Red Apple Reading would like to offer ten suggestions on how you can incorporate literacy into your child’s everyday life.

1. Go Shopping! – We all have to go to the store – and more likely than not, we have our kiddos with us when we are there. Why not have them hold the shopping list and mark off what has been bought and read what you have left to buy? Your little one will feel good about helping and you will be sneaking in a reading lesson!
2. Take a Reading Ride – Resist the urge to turn on the radio and tune out the kids when you are all in the car. Instead, ask your little one what is written on the road signs or billboards you pass. Or have your kiddo read the names of all the stores you pass while running errands. An added bonus of this “reading ride” is it will help pass the time and keep you from hearing, “How much longer?”
3. Make a List and Check it Twice – This is the perfect literacy activity for the Christmas season, and works for birthdays too! Instead of asking your kid what he wants, have him write the list out for you. Most kids have such a long list, that it provides the perfect opportunity for practicing writing skills!
4. Have a Headline Hunt – Are you a newspaper subscriber? Whether you get your paper the old-fashioned way or electronically, you can include your child in the reading of it. Each day have your little one read the paper’s headline. You will be accomplishing two important tasks – encouraging reading and inspiring interest in current events!
5. Train a Recipe Reader – Train your little one to be a first class kitchen helper and reader! Whenever you are using a recipe to make a yummy creation, have your kiddo read it aloud to you. While you’re at it, sneak in a math lesson and let them help with measuring ingredients.
6. Write a Note – Unfortunately, the hand-written note seems to be falling out of practice in our culture. Encourage your child to pen a letter to a friend or family member. If your kiddo has recently received a gift, have her write a thank you note to the person who was kind enough to think of her. You will be teaching good manners as well as promoting handwriting.
7. Purchase a Magazine Subscription – I know my 12 year old loves to receive her American Girl magazine in the mail each month. What is your kid interested in? There are a plethora of fun magazines available for children. Visit Amazon to see what titles your child might be interested in.
8. Choose Meaningful T.V. Programs – You absolutely should limit the amount of time your kids spend in front of the television each day. However, when you do allow T.V. time, choose educational shows for your little one to watch. For example, PBS has some great programs that promote literacy, such as Super WHY! and WordGirl. Be picky about your program choices!
9. Visit the Library – Make time each week to stop by your local public library. When you take time out of your busy schedule to go to the library, you send the message to your child that “reading is worthwhile”!
10. Read Together– We know we keep ringing this “reading together bell” – but it really is so important! Make sure you take time out each day to read to or listen to your child read. You are not only promoting literacy, but are also building great memories!