Storytelling on the go!

Take turns adding to a story the two of you make up while riding in the car.  Try to make the story funny or spooky.

One more time with feeling!

When your child as sounded out an unfamiliar word, have him re-read that sentence.  Often kids are so busy figuring out a word they lose the meaning of what they've just read.

Be your child's #1 fan!

Ask your child to read aloud what he or she has written for school.  Be an enthusiastic listener!

Create a writing toolbox

Fill a box with drawing and writing materials.  Find opportunities for your child to write, such as thank you notes, the shopping list, or birthday cards.

Tell family tales

Children love to hear stories about their family.  Talk about a funny thing that happened when you were young.

Write, write, write!

Ask your child to help you write out the grocery list, a thank you note to Grandma, or to keep a journal of special things that happen at home.  Show your child that writing is important and it happens everywhere!

Talk, talk, talk!

Talk with your child every day about school and things going on in their life.  Sprinkle some interesting words into the conversation, and build on words you've talked about in the past.  This will build your child's vocabulary.

I read, you read

Take turns reading aloud at bedtime.  Kids enjoy bedtime stories!  It's a special time with their parents!

Shapes

Point out shapes in the world and discuss them.  If you see a "yield" sign, discuss that it is a triangle and ask your child how many sides would be on 3 yield signs, etc.

Pick books that are at your child's reading level

Help your child pick books that are not too difficult.  The aim is to give your child lots of successful reading experiences.  Reading should be fun!  It's ok to read easy books too!

Measurement

Any time there is a project at home that involves measuring inches or feet, let you child help!  This allows them to understand that the concepts they are learning in school have real world applications.

Be Patient!

When your child is trying to sound out an unfamiliar word, give him or her time to do so.  Remind your child to look closely at the first letter/s of the word or look for something that he/she can recognize about that word.