As a teacher, I used Bob Books very successfully to support my students’ developing reading skills. When I discovered the Bob Books Blog, I was thrilled. Although I’m no longer in the classroom, I’m still passionate about literacy and I know the people of Bob Books are too.
I’m delighted that Bob Books has given me permission to reprint the following blog, which was originally posted on September 16, 2011.
5 Fantastic & Free Early Literacy Resources
Now that fall has arrived, you might be thinking about how you can get your hands on some learning to read resources that will enhance or supplement what your child is being introduced to at preschool or school. Here are five terrific early literacy authorities worth looking into. Best part? They’re free!
A wealth of early childhood reading resources is as close and accessible as your local public library! Go in-person and meet with a librarian to discuss what you’re looking for and address your child’s specific needs, or, since most libraries are now online, login to check your library’s list of resources. While you’re there, take a peek at the monthly calendar to find out about children’s story times and special events.
With a vested interest in student achievement and early literacy, The Department of Education has some wonderfully useful guides and learning to read resources for parents, such as:
Helping Your Child Become a Reader: PDF with fun activities parents can use to build children’s language skills. The guide includes a reading checklist, age group developmental milestones, book suggestions, and resources for children with reading problems or learning disabilities.
Reading Tips for Parents: This guide can help you understand the components of reading theory, sort out various early reading programs and obtain tips for things you can do at home to boost reading skills.
Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers: Suggestions for improving early childhood education in preschool, day care, and at home.
Put Reading First: Helping Your Child Learn to Read, A Parent Guide: Another guide for parents with information and tips on creating better readers at home and at school.
National Institute for Literacy Publications: A thorough list of publications for families and educators to help improve reading instruction for children, youth, and adults.
Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children’s Reading Success: How children learn to read and how adults can help them.
Did you know that every year, 35% of American children start kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read? Literacy skills are an important part of a child’s health and well-being.
The AAPP includes helpful downloads including a patient guide for parents called How Can I Help My Child Learn to Read and a Literacy Toolkit that offers book lists, health literacy information and handouts.
Get Ready to Read! (GRTR), an initiative of the National Center for Learning Disabilities is a national program focused on building early literacy skills of preschool children. GRTR brings research strategies, information and other resources to parents, preschools and caregivers. The translations section includes skill-building activities in Chinese, Arabic, Korean and Spanish. The website also offers screening tools if you are concerned about your child’s literacy development
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for or want something specifically in your area? Check out the literacy directory, which allows you to customize your search, based on zip code and types of programs.
Did we miss any? Be sure to let us know.
–posted by Allison Ellis
Republished with permission from Bob Books
Thank you, Bob Books for generously allowing me to reprint this blog!
Gail
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