Dear Athens Parents:
As most of you probably know, I am passionate about literacy. I’d like to ask you to take a moment to consider the possibility of volunteering this coming Fall to help an Athens’ student increase their literacy skills. We’re currently working on developing the proper structures and systems to make our tutoring/mentoring efforts more successful in the coming school year. Although the tips listed below are aimed toward younger children. The same strategies apply when working with older students. It’s not hard and it only takes 30-60 minutes of your time. Won’t you consider partnering with us during this very exciting time? If you are interested, please reply to Paulette at president@athensdriveptsa.com.
Sincerely
Paulette Carrieri
PTSA President
PLEDGE TO READ TO A CHILD
Reading aloud to children is the single most important action to improve literacy.
On Friday, June 21 — the longest day of the year — take a few minutes
to read to a child in your life or to a child in need.
Children who have not developed some basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are three to four times more likely to drop out in later years. — U.S. Department of Education
It seems simple, but it’s so powerful. Reading aloud to a child can open a whole world of possibilities. Will you join us by taking the pledge to read to a child? Whether you volunteer at an early education center or read to your own child before bed, you will be making a difference. Take the pledge to read to a child.
TOP TEN TIPS FOR RAISING A READER:
1. Read with your child every day starting at birth. (It’s never too late to start, though!) Reading even 5 or 10 minutes a day to young children helps them get ready to read on their own. You can even set aside a special time each day, such as nap time, bedtime or after meals. If you miss a day, don’t worry — just pick up where you left off.
2. As you read, hold the book so your child can see the words and pictures. Ask the child to point to certain objects (“Can you find the red ball?”) on the page and repeat new words.
3. Take advantage of “waiting” times to share books — on trips, at the doctor’s office or even in line at the grocery store.
4. Help a child stay actively involved with a story and develop reading comprehension. Instead of reading the story straight through, ask the child open-ended questions about the story: “Why do you think Goldilocks ate Baby Bear’s porridge?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
5. Help your child develop phonological awareness — the understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds — by playing games with the sounds of words and repeating rhymes.
See the next five tips on our blog.
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