How to Design a Family Literacy Program
In a technological society focused on television and the Internet, children are forgetting the value of books and the personal and educational benefits of reading. With busy schedules, parents are increasingly depending on television programs to "babysit" their children. Several literacy programs, such as Toyota's Family Literacy Program and the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, work in communities across the world to decrease the illiteracy of children and adults. Parents can encourage literacy and model the benefits of reading for their children by implementing reading programs starting within their household as early as possible.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 10 (or more) age-appropriate books
- Calendar/schedule
- Poster board
- Markers
- Stickers
Instructions
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Gauge the needs of your family and decide what kind of books should be read. Consider factors such as age and reading level of children, interests of both the parents and children, lessons you think the children should learn and any hindrances such as learning disabilities. If needed, consult with the student's teachers about recommendations. Create a list of at least 10 books (or another predetermined amount) to include in the program.
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Create a monthly or weekly reading schedule that requires the children and parents to read together for a certain amount of time. Put aside at least one hour of reading time a day. Write down the schedule ahead of time and keep it in a place easily viewable by everyone.
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Assist the children in reading by actively participating in the process. The parent can help the student sound out words, look up definitions for unknown words and discuss the story as you go. Increase the level of reading difficulty after each completion of a book.
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Give appropriate assignments for each book to facilitate dialogue and understanding of the book. For example, ask children to diagram the parts of the story (characters, setting, climax and resolution) by drawing pictures or creating charts. Children can also create an alternate ending to the book or act out a part of the story to an audience.
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Chart the progress of the children on a board or homemade poster placed in an easily viewable location such as the kitchen. Give small rewards, such as stickers or ribbons, for completion of books and assignments. Rewards serve as incentives for future reading.
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Keep in contact with your child's teachers to inform them of the progress at home. To encourage community-wide literacy programs, let other members of the community know about your program and the progress your child has made.
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Tips & Warnings
Encourage children to read more than an hour a day by turning off the TV and computer for a certain amount of hours a day.
Model good reading habits by reading as often as possible.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit brother and sister reading books on the floor image by Julián Rovagnati from Fotolia.com
