Reading, Writing and Math at Home

Note: This list is very exhaustive. Please choose activities that you feel comfortable with and that you feel are appropriate for your child’s age, maturity, skill level, attention span and interest. Have Fun!

Spelling and Writing

  • Write with your child. (I.e. allow your child to “help” you write grocery lists, menus, letters, cards, etc. by letting him/her watch and occasionally asking him/her what letter might come next). Modeling is one of the best ways children learn.
  • Draw your child’s attention to a variety of print forms. (I.e. greeting cards, advertisements, magazines, newspapers, TV guides, comics, etc.). Children discover new words this way.
  • When “writing”, allow your child to sound out the words being written and try not to be concerned if the spellings are not conventional. Spelling is a developmental process and your child will begin to spell “correctly” as s/he practices and gains knowledge of the printed word. The first step in the writing process is for children to draw pictures. Then they may begin to scribble. Then they tend to move into using single letters to represent whole words, and from there they may use two consonants for words and occasionally may add a vowel. Do not try to rush your child through these stages and be as encouraging as possible. A belief in themselves and their ability will go a long way in helping your child become a good speller and writer. Please allow your child to read what s/he has written to you and accept what they tell you as “their truth”. Trust that their writing will develop!
  • Begin to point out patterns in words found in books, on cereal boxes, etc. For example, say things such as “Oh look! Cat and mat both have an “_at” in them!”
  • Let your child see you write often. Show that writing is a purposeful, real life activity.
  • Write your child notes (on the living room table, under pillows, etc.) and encourage him/her to “write back” in what I like to call “kid writing”, which translates to scribbles or temporary spelling as outlined above. Your child will usually be able to tell you what they have “written”.
  • Make a notebook (without lines) and suggest that your child make daily entries that include pictures.
  • Have paper, pencils, markers, etc. available to encourage writing at home.
  • Find a place in your home for doing “writing” or “schoolwork”.
  • Discuss possible topics for writing with your child and then help him/her get the ideas onto paper in whatever way your child feels comfortable with. The main point here is to help your child believe that his/her ideas are valid and worthwhile. You may find that once the ideas are down (probably in picture form to start), they can be expanded upon later by asking your child questions such as “Can you tell me more about ___…?” or “I wonder if you can help me understand more about ___”.
  • Be an audience for your child’s ideas. This is one of the best things you can do to help your child develop his/her learning. In this way you begin to instill self-confidence, which is a key ingredient to learning.
  • When your child brings you pictures or writing, show an interest and encourage him/her to share.

Reading

  • Read with and to your child on a regular basis in the language you are most comfortable with. Children will become familiar with books and develop vocabulary this way. ***READING WITH AND TO YOUR CHILD IS PERHAPS THE SINGLE MOST USEFUL THING YOU CAN DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD BECOME A SUCCESSFUL READER.***
  • When reading with your child, read any book your child asks you to. Let your child hold the book, turn the pages, show you where to begin and show you the front and back cover. Talk about the pictures and the characters. Let your child talk about what s/he thinks will happen next. Let your child identify any words s/he knows. Above all else, LET YOUR CHILD ENJOY THE STORY and don’t put pressure on him/her to “do the reading”.
  • Listen to our child “read” on a regular basis. (In kindergarten most children’s “reading” will be a recap of events recited from memory.) When your child is ready and shows an interest in doing so, let your child try to figure out the words on his/her own, but help him/her along by saying the word in question if s/he seems stuck. Be encouraging and patient while listening. Your child’s reading will develop over time. Keep in mind that your child will pronounce words incorrectly from time to time. Please make this okay!
  • Read books together. The parent reads a page, the child reads a page. Then, discuss favorite parts of the book together.
  • Establish a regular daily reading time.
  • Set up a shelf with your child’s favorite books on it.
  • Listen to stories on the internet.
  • Let your child see you read. Children learn by imitation.

Math

  • Help your child become familiar with money by pointing out the value of coins, by counting coins together, etc.
  • Hang a calendar in your child’s room if you have one. Cross off the days as they happen. Write in birthdays and special events. Talk about the calendar and regularly review the days of the week, the months of the year, the seasons, etc.
  • Talk about the weather.
  • Buy or make a chart to record your child’s height and weight on an ongoing basis.
  • Look for shapes in the natural environment. (I.e. Right now in your home or in books as you read.)
  • Cook with your child and let him/her help measure the ingredients.
  • Play games with your child that develop problem solving skills. (I.e. Twenty Questions, I Spy, card games such as “Fish” and “Crazy Eights”, etc.)
  • Help your child learn to see patterns in the world. (I.e. Ask questions such as “Can you find a pattern in your shirt?”)
  • Build puzzles if you have them.