BerneUnionREADS Parent's Page

The family is the strongest element in shaping
lives. It's the most powerful support network
there is. It is where the cycle of learning begins,
where the attitudes of parents about learning
become the educational values of the children.

 

What does being involved in your child's education
mean? There are many simple but amazingly productive
techniques that influence your child's performance and
behavior at school and home. The positive effects of parent
involvement is well documented. Research indicates that
children benefit from parental involvement in the by:

 

                                 Better grades and test scores
                                 Better attendance
                                 Greater completion rate of homework
                                 Higher graduation rates
                                 More involvement in extra-curricular activities
                                 Improved attitude and better all-around behavior
 

 

While you are giving your child the space and time
in which to progress at his/her own speed, keep an
eye open for some of the following symptoms, which
could point to a serious reading problem. It is very
important to note, however, that these symptoms should
not cause undo alarm unless they are chronic and interfere
with your child's progress. almost every child exhibits
some, if not all, of the behaviors listed below at one
point or another.

*inattention
*refusal to decode
*inability to blend
*fear of failure
*a defeatist attitude
*reads without feeling
*can't retell a story
*lacks confidence
*daydreams
*recognizes words in one context but not another
*continues to "sound out" words that should already be familiar
*is easily frustrated
*experiences physical discomfort or pain while reading
*gives off-target answers to comprehension questions
*is not motivated to read
*procrastinates to avoid reading
*has trouble following directions
*makes up excuses to avoid school or homework
*unable to tackle homework without help

 

 

So what can I do as a parent?
 Here are some ideas.....

 Reading Aloud-
*Builds vocabulary
*Stimulates your children's imaginations
*Develops interest in reading and in books
*Improves your children's listening skills
*Helps your children to understand language
*Creates a bond between you and your children
*Provides your children with positive role models
*Helps children to become independent readers

 Always have books available-
*Put books in your car
*Read while waiting for a Dr.'s appointment
*Use books instead of TV for entertainment
*Take books when you run errands
*Keep books by the bedside for bedtime reading
*Encourage caregivers to use books for play

 Beyond Books & Stories-
There are many other ways, and plenty of sources, to encourage your children to read
*Maps & travel brochures
*Coupons and grocery flyer
*Restaurant Menu's
*Cereal boxes
*Newspaper comics
*Recipe cards
*Magazines
*Magnetic letters for the fridge
*Notes from you in surprise places
*Write & draw with sidewalk chalk
*Books on tape
*Books on tape in the car
*Play school
*Visit the Public Library
*Read street signs as you travel

  

    While reading to my young son,
I noticed that he was getting drowsy,
As I started to put the book away,
he awoke enough to say,
"Don't stop, Daddy.
Sometimes my ears stay up later than my eyes."
-author unknown

 

 

If you want to know more about how to help
your child read, or you would like more
info on future literacy programs, email us!