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How to develop a classroom reading program that encourages caregiver participation

October 02, 2019

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You work in a preschool so literacy education is important to you. Of course the time kids spend at school is ideal for teaching a lifelong love of reading, but it's also important for families to be involved in early literacy education.

Reading daily to young children helps boost language acquisition and literacy skills, plus it demonstrates an appreciation for books and the written word. And is there anything sweeter than a classroom of preschoolers sitting on the group rug in anxious anticipation of story time?

You can share this unique time while also helping parents understand the importance of early literacy by developing a "special friends reading program." This is typically focused on parents, but it can also involve grandparents and other adult relatives that play an important role in their children's lives.

Volunteer reading program 101

The program can be customized to the school schedule and student needs, but here are the basics: volunteers sign up to be a reader for story time at preschool during regular intervals. This could be once a week on a certain day or once a month. These volunteers come in at a designated time to read a book to the group. The book can be teacher's choice, but often it's enjoyable to have the reader bring in their own favorite childhood book to share.

A fun twist on the program can be to make the reader a secret. That means the class won't know the person that signs up to read ahead of time, but rather will discover who the special friend is when they walk through the door on that day during story time! What a fun surprise for students to learn who the mystery reader is and what beloved book they brought with them to share.

The easiest way to make this program work is to have a sign-up sheet printed and hung by the classroom with open times volunteers can fill in their name as they are able, or use an online sign-up system, such as the free www.signupgenius.com. To ensure everyone who wants to volunteer gets a chance, make a rule that all people who desire to volunteer take a turn before someone repeats as volunteer reader.

360 support of literacy development

This fun program not only is a joy for caregivers and students, but it helps blend the line between school and home education. As educators know, when families at home support the lessons learned at school, children learn and retain information better. This program shows students that teacher and caregiver are partners in their educational journey, offering love and support. Isn't it amazing what a storybook can do for kids?

If you're just starting this type of reading program, you may want to send out an information sheet and include an announcement in your upcoming newsletter and other communications. That way all parents know about the program and that it will soon be a part of their children's amazing educational experience. Remember, September is National Literacy Month, so what better time to start a caregiver reading program than now?

You work in a preschool so literacy education is important to you. Of course the time kids spend at school is ideal for teaching a lifelong love of reading, but it's also important for families to be involved in early literacy education. Reading daily to young children helps boost language ac

reading program


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