Literacy and Numeracy News

READING AT HOME

Reading with primary-aged children at home during the holidays is a valuable way to support their academic growth and foster a love of learning. Regular reading not only strengthens literacy skills but also boosts imagination, vocabulary, and comprehension. By engaging with books over the holiday break, children can maintain the progress they've made in school. 

Reading with an adult provides additional benefits, including shared bonding time and the opportunity to discuss stories, characters, and ideas, which deepens understanding.

To make reading exciting, consider incorporating creative strategies that turn it into a fun activity rather than a chore. Start by allowing your child to choose books that match their interests, whether it's about animals, superheroes, or adventures. This autonomy makes them more invested in the experience. You can also set up themed reading nights where everyone reads a book related to a certain theme, like space, mystery, or nature. Add to the fun by creating a cozy reading corner with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights to make the atmosphere special.

Interactive storytelling is another great way to engage children. Take turns reading and acting out characters or using funny voices for different characters in the story. For younger children, include activities like drawing scenes from the book or making up an alternate ending together. To encourage deeper thinking, you can ask questions like, "What do you think will happen next?" or "How would you change the story?"

Setting small reading goals or challenges, like reading for 20 minutes every day or finishing a certain number of books by the end of the holiday, can also motivate children. Celebrate achievements with small rewards or family reading celebrations to show them that reading is both fun and rewarding.

Wishing you a fabulous holiday and hope you all get to curl up with a great book or two.

Kind regards,

Johanne Abbott

 Learning Specialist- 5/6 Teacher