Positive Parenting

Family literacy is so much more than simply reading a book. Day-to-day activities can help promote literacy, from following a recipe to making a shopping list.

It’s never too early to begin reading stories and even babies enjoy the stimulation of books. They love the attention, the sound of your voice and the colourful pictures.

Research shows that early exposure to reading has a significant impact on future academic performance. The National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (Statistics Canada 1996-1997) even shows that children with early reading experiences perform better at mathematics!

Self-esteem is boosted when parents spend time reading to and with their children. These kids learn at an early age that they’re worthwhile and their parents enjoy spending time with them. They develop a sense of security and a special bond is formed.

Apart from these emotional benefits, kids also learn listening skills, develop an increased vocabulary and improve their language skills. Everybody wins!

Chances are that your child will be a better reader himself if you have read to him since he was young. Even when children can read by themselves, they still enjoy when you read aloud to them, at any age.

Even creativity and imagination flourish as children listen to stories, re-enact them and make up their own stories. Ask your child questions about the book to make sure they have achieved comprehension and to encourage problem-solving and conflict resolution skill development.

For example, you might ask, “Do you think he did the right thing? What would you have done in this situation?” or “Why do you think she chose to do that?”

Library a great resource

Family visits to the library can be much more than simply borrowing books. Many of our local libraries offer literacy programs and activities for children, plus access to computers. One of our favourite annual nursery school excursions is to the library, where the librarian reads several stories to the class and then they have time to explore books on their own in the children’s section. Even though we read stories every day at nursery school, it’s fun to be in the library environment and hear stories told by a different storyteller.

Books make the perfect gift for birthdays and special occasions. Take advantage of the book orders that come home from school for reasonably priced, age-appropriate book selections, or visit your local bookstore.

Keep in mind that books aren’t the only source for reading and literacy. Try magazines, comics, newspapers, the Internet, signs on the road, posters, letters or e-mails. Find resources in whatever areas interest your child. If she loves animals, find pet books. If he adores hockey, read about hockey.

Minimize distractions

Create quiet, cozy reading areas in your home where your child can read independently with few distractions. If your child isn’t able to read yet, have a quiet time when he can look at books on his own, even if it’s simply turning the pages and looking at the pictures.

You are your child’s best role model. Parents who make time to read themselves set a positive example for encouraging reading as a hobby and way of life. So turn off the television sets once in a while and pick up a book.

Word games like Scrabble, Boggle, crossword puzzles, hangman or word searches are great for improving vocabulary and can be fun for the whole family to play together.

I love to read. If I don’t have a book on the go, I feel like something is missing. I’m attracted to the written word, even if it means reading the back of the cereal box in the morning.

Hopefully my children have also picked up the reading habit. I’ve always told them, “You’ll never be bored if you love to read!”

Lila Hope-Simpson is the Director of the Home and Heart Nursery School in Wolfville