GUILD, SUZANNE

Read Together Every Night

Reading is a cornerstone of literacy development, and I encourage you to spend time each night reading with your child. This can be a fun way to bond and ignite a love for stories. As you read, consider discussing the following story elements:

• Characters: Who are the main characters?   What do they look like and how do they feel?

• Setting: Where and when does the story take place?   How does this affect the story?

• Plot: What happens in the story?    What challenges do the characters face?

• Theme: What lessons or messages can we learn from the story?

Make It a Routine

Establishing a nightly routine for reading and writing can greatly benefit your child’s learning.   Aim for about 15-20 minutes each evening.   This consistency helps reinforce their skills and fosters a love of learning.

Writing Practice

Encourage your child to practice writing letters and numbers each night. You can use paper, a whiteboard, or even sand to make it fun! Try this activity:

• Letter Writing:   Practice writing letters using sand.     

• Number Writing:   Count objects around the house and write the corresponding numbers.

Exploring Rhymes and Alliterations

Rhymes and alliterations make learning playful!    Here are a few activities to try:

• Rhyme Time: Read rhyming books together and create your own rhymes. For example, “The cat sat on the mat!”

• Alliteration Adventure: Find objects around your home that start with the same sound. For example, “Silly snakes slither silently.”

Celebrate Progress

Celebrate your child’s efforts and progress in reading and writing.    Positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue practicing.