READING AT HOME
Reading at home is very important – just as important as
reading at school. The earlier home
reading begins, the better. Our
preschool curriculum, Opening the World of Learning, has provided us with
suggested reading lists and strategies for reading at home. We hope that you find this information
helpful and will read with your child every day.
Why?
Children whose families read to them when they are young do
better in school. They know about books
and words and letters and sounds. They have
experience following a story. They like
reading. Early experience with books
make it easier for children to learn to read themselves.
What you do now with your preschooler can make a world of
difference. Young children who are read
to at home have an easier time learning to read in first grade.
When?
Plan to read at the same time each day. Make it part of your family’s routine. Many
families read a book at bedtime. If
that’s not a good time for you, find another time that works. We know families are busy. Remember, even just 20 minutes a day can make
a difference.
Where?
Sit side-by-side on your child’s bed, a couch, or the
floor. Look at the pictures together and
let your child help turn the pages. Pack
a book for reading on bus rides, trips to the doctor’s office, or waiting to
drop off your child at school.
What?
There are so many great books for children. The Burlington Library has a wonderful
selection of children’s literature. Please see also our book backpack program, starting in October. Try
different kinds of books. Read stories,
rhymes, and information books. Notice
which type of books your child enjoys most and look for more. It’s okay to read the same book over and over
too!
How?
Have a good time. Read-aloud time is not a chore for your child
to complete. It’s a special activity to
enjoy together. Most children love
hearing stories.
Children who like being read to really want to learn to
read. The way in which you approach
reading will be reflected by your child.
Stay positive and show that you think books are interesting and
fun. Get cozy, relax and enjoy the books
yourself.
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What to do during a
Read-Aloud
As you read, talk with your child about the book. Answer questions and ask questions of your
own. This is how your child will learn.
- Name anything your child points to in the pictures.
- Point to pictures yourself and explain things as you read.
- Run your finger under some words as you read them, especially if they are in big, bold print, or are fun to say.
- Point to each word in the title.
- Explain any word your child may not understand.
- Encourage questions and comments.
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- Math ActivitiesMany of the activities we're doing this year will help prepare your child for future success with math. At this age, math is counting, comparing, and solving simple problems in everyday life. Our preschool curriculum, Opening the World of Learning, has provided us with some home activities to pass along to you. Young children who have experience in math have a better chance of succeeding in math in school. To help your child learn about math, point out numbers, sizes, and shapes and count items with your child whenever you have the chance. The following ideas can help you support your child's learning.The key is to weave activities into your daily routine. Here are a few activity ideas that don't require much extra time.
- Go for a walk and count the number of red cars or trucks you see. Observe and talk about what makes them different.
- As you use items at home, such as mixing bowls or towels, comment to your child about their sizes. Use words like small, medium and large, bigger and smaller, lighter and heavier.
- Give your child some items of different sizes to arrange- sets of measuring spoons or plastic bowls will work. Also let your child help you sort and fold towels and washcloths from the laundry.
- While grocery shopping, note the aisle numbers you visit and count the number of people in line ahead of you at the register.
- Play with numbered refrigerator magnets and name them. Find things to match the numbers: one nose, two eyes, five fingers on one hand.
- Show your child your telephone number. Help your child match your telephone number by arranging magnetic refrigerator numbers or numbers you write on small square of paper.
- Use a calendar to mark off days. Count the days or weeks until a special event, like a birthday or holiday.
- When removing spoons, forks and table knives from the dish drying rack or the dishwasher, put on the table for your child to sort for putting away.
- Help your child line up measuring cups by size. Let your child play with these in the tub at bath time.
- Write numbers with a pencil as your child watches, and talk about the lines as you make them. Then let your child try.
The most important part is to make math fun!
