A few Super Cool Websites for PaReNtS

The following websites are also found in the Resources at the bottom of the page...along with several more...
www.scholastic.com
Scholastic’s website is a wonderful resource for parents who are looking for ways to help their child succeed in reading.  There are activities under the Parents tab for children of all ages.  The activities are geared towards specific ages, from preschool to eighth grade.

www.rif.org/parents/tips

This is a great website for parents that contains tips and tricks for various ideas for reading.  Things include ways to encourage struggling readers, reading aloud, and creating special reading spots in your home.

www.pbs.org/parents

Under the Education tab in this website you will find assistance in finding books for your child based on age, theme, and type.  You will also find some great reading guidelines throughout the website.

A few Super Cool Websites for KiDs

All of the following websites are located at the bottom of the page...here are just a few highlights...

 www.scholastic.com
This website is very interactive for children.  There is a Kids tab that contains many fun items for them to explore, including games based on books, videos meeting certain authors, and information about their favorite books.

www.starfall.com
Starfall is another very fun website for readers.  It is more geared for early learners.  There are interactive games for preschool on up through first grade.  The earliest games start out by teaching sounds to letters, then eventually making sounds into words, until the child is finally reading.  Many schools use the website as extra practice in reading for their lower elementary students.


www.resources.kaboose.com/games/read1.html
Kaboose.com is a website that can be a resource for parents who want to keep their kids busy.  Not only are there many crafts and “how-to” videos, but fun learning games throughout the website for kids.  If you would like specific reading games, type in the link above.

Who wants to play?

A good idea that I actually came across in a textbook of mine suggested setting aside one night per week for Family Game Night.  This isn't exactly structured reading, but playing games that require each player to read is a good idea.  Games such as Pictionary, Scrabble, and even Monopoly require the player to read or follow directions to advance.  Any game that involves reading will do because reading can be anywhere!  Order a pizza, make some popcorn, and dive into fun family games.  You will not be sorry.  Even a teenager could be pleasantly surprised at the fun he/she will have with the family!

Volunteer

Sign up to be a volunteer in your child's classroom.  Go in, hang out, work with kids, and see what all goes on.  This way, you will get an up close look at what is going on in reading.  You will get to see what the students are working on and how your child is doing on a daily basis.  Maybe you will even get a good idea to take back home with you to try out.  Talk to your child's teacher for more details on his/her opportunities to volunteer!

Dare to be brave and turn off the TV.

Many times, families find them selves sitting in front of the TV together not saying a word to each other.  I am guilty of this myself.  Or, the kids are watching a show while moms and/or dads are busy with other things around the house.  It gets to be too easy to entertain a child with a simple rerun of iCarly or Spongebob Squarepants.  Why not turn it off and see what happens?  Make a time each week for a Family Reading Night.  Each person can be reading his or her own book, magazine, or newspaper.  It doesn't have to be every night, but once a week would be a nice start.  Making time for reading as a family is a great way to spend time together, even though no one is talking to each other...still.  (We all should be used to not talking since no one likes a chatter box during a favorite TV show or movie anyway.)  One of my favorite quotes from my own principal:  "Those who read the most, read the best."

What do I do when a MISCUE happens?

When your child comes to a word that he/she misreads, remind him/her to slow down and try again.  Help him/her to stretch out the word to check for sounds of the letters or chunks that they already know.  Once the child has mastered the word, make a note card with the word on it to practice for later use.  Practicing difficult words can add to your child’s memory base for better reading in the future.  Also, when practicing reading, be sure to correct mistakes as they happen; not later on when the child has forgotten the meaning of the word.

Reading is Everywhere!

Not all reading takes place between the covers of books.  What about menus, road signs, and food labels?  Take advantage of those endless opportunities to read throughout your busy days around town.

Make a Date!

Pick a time and date to visit your local library.  Usually, libraries have great reading programs for kids, especially during the summer months.  Sign your child(ren) up for a fun-filled experience with loads of books to choose from.  If your library does not have a kids' program, simply taking your child(ren) to the library and letting them explore the vast amount of books will be a great adventure in itself!  So...make a date and go!

Be a Model!

I'm not talking about walking the catwalk...I'm talking about being a model for good reading habits!  Model good reading skills at home or when you're on the go.  When you show that you enjoy reading, your child(ren) will pick up on that and become aware that other's are reading around them.  It's a good idea to have various types of reading materials in sight.  This can include books, newspapers, and magazines.  Another thought is that when you are on the go, like many of us are, take a book or magazine with you.  When you are sitting in a waiting room for the doctor or getting your oil changed, for example, read while you are waiting.  Encourage your child(ren) to also brink a book or magazine to enjoy while waiting for various appointments.