Family Story Time Ideas
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The Importance of Families Reading Together
Studies show that children who grow up in families that encourage literacy do better academically. Children love to be read to and what could be better than to snuggle up with mom, dad, grandma or grandpa with a book. Even very young children love books. For them picture books hold wonderment and squeals of delight. In no time at all you can be whisked away to lands far away, magical kingdoms, flying dragons, and princesses. Children's imaginations are sparked by the delightful world of fantasy. Stories also tell about real life history. I know my son is fascinated by stories about the Titanic. He knows more about the Titanic than I do. Reading to children is such a wonderful way to teach them about the world as well as encouraging their whimsical fantasy worlds.These days literacy also extends to the electronic world as kids are surfing on the web. Kid friendly websites are jam packed with information that feeds their never ending thirst for learning.
Photo: © Peter Dolinsky | Dreamstime.com
Photo: © Peter Dolinsky | Dreamstime.com
Imagine what the world would be like....
if you couldn't read
The benefits of family literacy
Just 10-15 minutes a day makes a difference
Families that read together develop their children's literacy skills, whether they are reading a bed-time story or surfing the internet together. Children learn to use their literacy skills from the caring adults that surround them.Research shows that children who are read to perform better academically. Children develop their vocabulary and listening skills, as well as their creativity and imagination when they are read to. Families that read together foster a life-long love of reading. Reading on a regular basis helps older adults keep their minds sharp.
Ways to encourage literacy
- 1Have a scavenger hunt.
- 2Read some of the classics together.
- 3Sing. Singing is strongly related to language skills.
- 4Bake. You get to read and eat too!
- 5Make lists. Encourage the family to write out New Year's resolutions and gift lists.
- 6Play games together.
Family Literacy Day
January 25
ABC Life Literacy Canada started Family Literacy Day in 1999 to encourage families across Canada to spend 15 minutes a day learning together. Every year thousands of communities and libraries across Canada organize events that bring families together to read, play games, and learn together.
The influence of parents
Parental involvement makes a difference
Parents can profoundly influence their child's literacy. Parents who spend the time talking and reading to their children give them the tools for success in school. Research shows that parental involvement before the age of five shows the biggest effect on a child's development of language and literacy skills. A rich home environment nurtures positive attitudes about reading and learning. The benefits don't come just from reading, they also come from sharing and playing word games, board games and playing with toys. Parents that play and read with their children provide them benefits that last a life time. My Child Hates to Read
Don't Give Up
Even if you have a child who hates to read, you can still encourage reading by reading to them. It's important be a role model and show them how enjoyable reading can be. There are so many different types of books nowadays to encourage reading fluency. From graphic novels to ebooks there are so many different formats you're bound to find one that your child loves.
How to encourage literacy in your family
- Family literacy activity ideas
- Stuck for ways to celebrate Family Literacy Day? This will help you out.
- Promoting literacy with your preschooler
- Great ideas to encourage literacy with your preschooler.
- Super Creative Family Reading Night Ideas
- Pitch a tent, put on a play, these are some really energetic ideas for family learning.
Great family story time books
These were some of my kids favorites
Family literacy in the news
- Literacy bus to make stop at Morley school
- 28 from 9 am-3 pm The Prairie COW Bus has been hitting the road since 2003, promoting literacy in some 60 communities each year; its mandate is to ?share ideas and resources while building awareness of family literacy across the province?.
- Photos: Castle Park to host magic show on Saturday
- Family literacy practitioners are invited to a workshop that focuses on a strengthbased intercultural approach to family literacy and skills development for low-income multi-language families. The workshop will be held Monday, April 2 from 9 am to 3: ...
- Family Literacy Celebration held at Jefferson Parkway
- Families were treated to goodie bags, lunch and storytelling at Jefferson Parkway Elementary School Feb. 11 as the United Way held a Family Literacy Celebration. The event was part of a series of literacy programs designed to engage entire families in ...
- USDA Celebrates America Saves Week Supporting Financial Security and Literacy
- As part of the US Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences at NIFA partners with the CES to deliver programming in local communities that focuses on five core areas: earning income, spending, ...
"Outside of a dog, a book is
man's best friend. Inside of a dog
it's too dark to read."
- Groucho Marx
Is reading important in your family?
Or just leave a note saying you stopped by
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manlalakbay
Feb 4, 2012 @ 3:24 pm | delete
- I love reading and most of my family members enjoy reading too. Love it!:)
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vallain
Jan 27, 2012 @ 9:45 pm | delete
- Thanks for promoting this special day. As a retired librarian, I know how important literacy is. It isn't just books, as you point out. Reading affects all areas of our lives.
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Edutopia
Jan 15, 2012 @ 10:22 am | delete
- I had no idea that there was a family literacy day. My parents always took time every day to make sure they read to me. It is never a bad idea to do so.
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knitter82
Jan 15, 2012 @ 2:02 am | delete
- Didn't know there was such a day, but I'm also from the US and currently living in China...but very cool. I'm a teacher and just love the book the Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease...a great read for both parents and teachers. I try to read 5-10 books to my three year old daily and my husband and I both prefer reading to watching tv, I'm hoping my son will grow up to be a reader.
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baby-strollers
Jan 15, 2012 @ 1:45 am | delete
- Read to your kids!
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Books about reading with your child
How to Get Your Child to Love Reading: For Ravenous and Reluctant Readers Alike
Amazon Price: $5.92 (as of 02/22/2012)
Best Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to Read: 125 Books That Will Turn Any Child into a Lifelong Reader
Amazon Price: $7.93 (as of 02/22/2012)
Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever
Amazon Price: $5.17 (as of 02/22/2012)
