Anytime is reading time. Each minute you spend, makes a difference. You
don't have to sit down for an hour, anytime is the right time. Maybe they
will read in the morning and at bedtime. Or read in the middle a rainy
day. If you have younger children, asking your child to read to their
brothers or sisters not only gives them practice in decoding words, but also
in fluency and expression. If they talk about the book, even BETTER!
Talk to your child about what they're reading. Find out what they like to
read and tell them about books you liked to read. It's a great way to learn
even more about your child as well as talking about your childhood. Make
connections with the books they're reading and what's going on at home, in
the world, etc. Each time you do this, you're helping them build
comprehension strategies.
Visit your local library. There's always something going on there. They
also have new books arriving so check one out!
And then there's writing... ANYTIME is the perfect time to write.
Giving your child a journal and encourage them to take notes about what
they're doing, notes about holidays, the new friends they've met this year at
school, the weather, friends they're playing with, whatever! You can even
start a scrapbook, adding pictures and having your child write about it.
Another great way to practice writing is to have your child write notes for
you (to do lists, grocery lists, phone messages to name a few), letters to
friends and relatives, emails, or stories. With a little encouragement,
writing can be fun!