Literacy Newsletter, Winter 2017
From the desk of Elena Silva, Six to Six Literacy Coach
Nurturing Literacy:
The Importance of Creating Lifelong Readers
Online Resources
There are many online resources
available to help your child access
books on a computer, tablet, or
phone. Explore the links below to
Dear Six to Six Families,
Inferencing! Synthesizing! Phonological Awareness! The list of important literacy terms
floating around can seem endless. As a parent, it may be hard to keep track of everything
your child needs to know and understand to be a successful reader. The good news is that
research shows that the amount of independent reading done by students both at
school and at home is one of the most important predictors of school success.
Independent reading refers to the reading students choose to do on their own. This
reading is done for pleasure or to learn more information on a self-selected topic. At Six to
Six, a love for independent reading is fostered by providing students with opportunities to
select a wide variety of texts at their current reading level. This approach naturally creates
an environment where self-selected independent reading is a daily routine. This first
literacy newsletter shares some ideas, resources, and local events that can help you foster
a love for reading with your child at home. A love for reading always leads to increased
reading! I hope you find these tips useful!
determine which resources would
be most appropriate for your child:
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Sincerely,
Ms. Silva
Yes…but how?
Top Tips for Promoting at Home
Reading in Children of All Ages
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Set aside a family reading time
each day or at least several
times per week. Older children
can read to themselves, and
parents or siblings can read
aloud to younger children.
Make this a special time when
family members relax and enjoy
reading.
Give books or magazines as
gifts for birthdays, holidays, or
other important celebrations.
Carefully consider your
children’s interests and reading
levels.
Audio books provide a great
way for families to listen to
books while driving or relaxing
at home. By doing this, the
whole family can enjoy and
discuss books together.
Continued on page 2…
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TOP
PICK
!
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PK-3: Storyline Online, The
SAG-AFTRA Foundation records
well-known actors reading
children’s books and makes
graphically dynamic videos so
that children anywhere can be
read to with just the click of a
button. FREE
http://www.storylineonline.net/
PK-3: International Children’s
Library, Discover books from
around the world available in
many different languages. FREE
http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
PK-6: Epic!, app. Epic’s e-book
library includes many of the
best kids’ books and popular
books such as Fancy Nancy, Big
Nate, Warriors, Ramona, and
National Geographic. $4.99 per
month for UNLIMITED ACCESS,
FIRST MONTH FREE.
https://www.getepic.com/
7-8: Simon and Schuster,
Riveted Young Adult Fiction,
FREE www.rivetedlit.com
Free Literacy Events in the Community
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Grades PK-3: Westport and Milford Barnes and Noble Bookstores,
Children’s Story Time, every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Fairfield Public Library, Family Story Time, 4th Saturday of each month from
10:30-11:00 a.m.
Grades 6-8: Bridgeport Public Library-North Branch, Parent-Child Book
Discussion, the first Saturday of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m., call 203-
576-8113 for more information
K-8: Bridgeport Public Library-North Branch, Homework Club-NOT
TUTORING, M-W from 3:15-4:45 p.m., call 203-576-7003 for more
information
Top Tips for Promoting Reading in Children of All Ages, continued…
Ask the children’s librarian for suggestions of audio books that will appeal to your family.
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Start a 15 minute late-night reading routine at your home. Allow your children to stay up 15
minutes later if they read. Children can read independently or with their parents or siblings.
Play word games together to build your children’s interest in words. Some new word games
are Scrabble Flash, Blurt, Bananagrams, and Apples to Apples Junior. You can also play
favorites such as Hangman or online word games at http://word-games.pogo.com
Stash books and magazines where your children will be—in the car, in their bedrooms, and
even in the bathroom. Encourage your child to read while riding in the car, waiting at the
doctor’s office, or passing time between activities.
Be a reading role model. Be sure your children see you reading for pleasure on a regular
basis. If your children see you reading, they will begin to understand that reading is valued
in your family.
Read comics, jokes, riddles, and puns together. Read the comics from the newspaper or
joke books from the library. Humor websites for children are another fun resource you may
want to read and enjoy with your children. A free website that contains jokes, riddles, and
puns is:
o http://www.jokesbykids.com
Plan a book swap with your neighbors, friends, or other family members who have children
the same age as yours. Each family can bring books and magazines to recommend and
trade.
Read and discuss newspaper and magazine articles. An article beside the breakfast bowl can
provide a great alternative to the usual routine conversations!
If your child has an assigned reading, try to read the same book so you can have
meaningful discussions about the book. If your child is struggling to complete an assigned
reading, try taking turns listening to him/her read, and reading aloud to your child, checking
frequently for understanding.
Consider purchasing an electronic reader (i.e., Kindle, Nook, etc.). E-readers have become
very popular and may entice your child to read more often.
Reward progress with a trip to the bookstore to select a special book.
Write notes recognizing your child’s accomplishments. A little praise can go a long way!
-Tips adapted from Jerry L. Johns Literacy Clinic and New Hanover County Schools