Modest Proposals (for Family Engagement)

Adapted from a class activity on engaging families of children aged 0-5.  Assignment: Develop a slogan and talking points to be used by the Secretary of Education to promote literacy and learning development.  What our team came up with, in 25 minutes, minus the snazzy poster:

Get Active: Read!

Books are for babies too!

            Even babies can benefit from regular exposure to shared bookreading.  Reading to your child teaches them how to listen, associate words with meaning and helps their overall language development.

Ask!  Point!  Talk!

            When your child is old enough to talk, ask them questions about what you’ve read.  Point to the words on the page.  This helps your child learn their letters and prepares them for preschool.  Let them help turn the pages of the book.  Talk to your child about what is happening in the story, what the characters are doing and what they think will happen next.  Don’t forget to hold your child on your lap while you read so they learn in a nurturing space.

Libraries: Free and Friendly!

            Where can reading happen?  Your public library provides a completely free, safe space for your child to take a book journey.  Library cards are free and allow you to check out books and take them home.  Your child can also listen to storytellers read books to them with other children in your community.  With thousands of books to explore, your supply will never run out.

Early reading experiences help unlock the gift of lifelong learning for your child!