“New School Year Resolutions” Can Improve Your Child’s Literacy

Students are more likely to be better readers, writers, speakers and listeners if their parents take an interest in their schoolwork. In fact, The Pew Charitable Trusts has reported, “Studies have proven that increased family engagement in educational programs is linked with increases in child reading achievement and other academic successes.”

So, why not kick off the new school year with some “New School Year Resolutions” to help your kids start off on the right foot? Here are a few examples for your consideration:

Study habits:

·  Establish a regular time and place for homework. The location should be well lit and quiet.

·  Help kids decide on their extracurricular activities. Don’t let their schedules be so full that they lack time or energy to study at home.

·  Discourage distractions like TV, the computer, or smart phone during homework.

Reading:

·  Ask children questions about what they are reading to gauge their comprehension.

·  Suggest to older kids that they make notes and look up unfamiliar words. With younger ones, discuss what they are reading and be available to answer questions they may have.

·  Keep books and magazines they can read around the house to promote frequent reading.

Writing:

·  Encourage older youth to record thoughts and day-to-day activities in a personal journal.

·  Help kids build time for writing into their daily routines.

·  Involve them in writing lists, directions, menus and messages to friends and family.

Speaking and listening:

·  Answer kids’ questions so they can learn new information and develop language skills.

·  Take time to listen to them without interrupting, correcting or judging.

·  Speak clearly and thoroughly to them, and use your best grammar.

If you still have very young children, recognize the importance of speaking and listening even when they are babies. Experiences with talking and listening during the preschool years prepare

children for learning to read and write when they start elementary school. Children who enter school with weaker verbal abilities are more likely to have difficulty learning literacy skills.

As your kids begin a new school year, work with them to create resolutions to which they can agree. A little preparation now can lead to great personal and professional success in the future.

“Literacy is for life” is a public awareness campaign of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, aiming to improve literacy for Pennsylvania children from infancy through grade 12.