Understanding Literacy
A love of reading and a taste for literature are the finest gifts we can give our children, for we have started them on the path of a lifetime pleasure.
(Charlotte Huck, Children's Literature in the Elementary School)
Consider these goals for your child's reading development
- To enjoy and be encouraged to read. To experience satisfaction and success from reading.
- To develop a regular routine of reading.
- To develop confidence in oneself as a reader.
- To appreciate a wide variety of literature ( poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays)
- To develop the skills, concepts, and abilities necessary to communicate in a literate society.
Supporting Your Child's Reading Efforts
- Keep in mind, the goal of reading is understanding.
- To help your child understand the reading process, share with them what you do as you read.
- Reinforce your child's reading. Comment positively on a reading behaviour or skill you notice is improving.
- Continue to read to your child even after they are independent readers, opportunities to hear stories above their reading ability stretches their comprehension skills, expands their vocabulary, provides a good example and nurtures a love of books.
- If your child is really keen about one particular book, find similiar stories and compare.
- Turn off the T.V.
- Match books to your child's interests and reading ability. Visit the library.
- Be patient and supportive and enjoy observing your child's growth in reading and writing.
New Homework Policy
The homework policy may be viewed in full at dpcdsb.org/homework. A summary of the key features of the document is available to families in the student agenda.
Below are some helpful Be's to support families in the homework process:
- Be positive - Communicate a positive attitude towards homework.
- Be consistent - Develop a homework routine that includes a set time and space.
- Be available - Encourage independent work but be available for assistance
- Be attentive - Take a few minutes every day to chat about the school day.
- Be a role model - Let your child see you reading, writing, and using math.
- Be a cheerleader - Praise your child for the effort displayed.
- Be observant - Note any signs of frustration.
- Be involved - Participate in school functions.