Family involvement is a huge component in literacy development and success in our students. Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom and it is part of our job as educators to also encourage parents to be involved in their child’s reading at home. Being a teacher is all about building relationships with students and their families. So, it’s important to provide encouragement and assistance to our student’s parents to set them up for success at home. Now summer is right around the corner which is the perfect time to give your parents some tips and resources to keep their child reading all summer long!
We must bridge the gap between home and school by creating a connection. Communication with parents is key whether it be a weekly newsletter, email, or using a communication app like Remind. When a parent feels involved they are going to be able to communicate with their child about what they are currently learning and reading. Children feel the most successful when their parents are involved. I love adding a what we’re reading section in my newsletter. This is a way for parents to ask their child about the books but also gives them some suggestions of books they can read with their child at home.
One of my favorite ways to get my students reading with their parents is by letting them borrow and take home classroom books. They get so excited and can’t wait to get home to share the books with their families. It’s an excellent way to get parents involved because they have a short amount of time with that book. I am always sharing new book finds, and favorites that we read in the classroom. When I am excited about new books my students are too and they go home raving about the new book they just read at school so why not allow them to share with their parents!
Another way to foster parent involvement in reading is by creating custom book lists for parents. It is important that parents have a clear understanding of their child’s reading level and where they are at in their reading journey. When parents have an understanding of the level, and type of books their child can read it makes the process of reading together much smoother. I like to periodically communicate with the parent especially during conferences about their child’s reading level and provide them with a list of books based on interests, and levels that they can read at home.
As you know learning doesn’t end with us, children also learn in their home setting. But, parents are often asking what they can do with their children to continue their education and build upon what they are learning in the classroom. Here are two of my favorite resources to provide parents with. These reading passages are a great resource for parents because they not only practice their reading comprehension skills but can ask their child the included questions to foster a discussion.
- First Grade Reading Passages
- Reading comprehension passages 2nd Grade
- Reading comprehension passages 2nd Grade Bundle
We as educators need to provide our parents with not only the resources but also strategies that promote reading comprehension. Remember to encourage parents to read with their children and not to them. Setting a scheduled amount of time and creating a consistent routine will make a world of difference- seriously even just 15 minutes a day! Sharing these tips with parents will help them feel more confident in aiding their child’s literacy development.
- Ask questions while reading and have the child make predictions
- Use encouraging words and praises “wow, that was a big word. You did a great job reading it, I am really proud”
- Be present, read in a quiet non-distracting environment
- Use a variety of different texts: fiction, non-fiction, magazines, poems.
I love having guest readers in my classroom, I would always invite parents to come read a story to the class. Of course, with Covid things are a tad different but I hope to bring this back into my classroom in the near future. Try using a mystery reader, using clues to have the students guess who the reader will be. This is a great tool for getting parents involved in the classroom and their child’s reading success.
I also have an amazing freebie based on the five components of reading for you to use with your parents. These cards have numerous tips for parents on how to help their students with phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency and sight words. These are easy to use tips that are targeted for a student’s needs that parents really appreciate. Simply sign up to grab it here.
When a child feels supported at home they are more likely going to not only want to read but also enjoy reading. The more kids read the better readers they become. Reading is invaluable and as not only educators but those of us as parents we play a crucial role in developing our child’s love for reading. I know one of the biggest struggles at home between parents and their child is the argument revolving around homework and reading. I hope these tips make at home reading a little less stressful and a lot more fun. Let’s continue to set our students and their parents up for success.
