This week for National Family Literacy Month we are going to look at everyday opportunities for family literacy. When we think of family literacy we often envision bedtime stories and library trips. But family literacy encompasses all aspects of literacy such as math literacy and digital literacy to name a few!
Literacy can be woven into everyday activities—cooking, talking, singing, and even running errands—all of which help build vocabulary and develop essential language skills. Not only does this build literacy for our students’ families but also helps students build their literacy skills and reach their goals. Here are some easy and fun ways to show students how to turn ordinary moments into literacy-building experiences.
1.Everyday Errands as Literacy Lesson
- At the Grocery Store: Grocery shopping offers endless opportunities to teach new words. Talk about the names of fruits, vegetables, and other items, and let your child help with the list. They can practice reading labels, counting items, or learning about prices.
- Running Errands: Point out and read signs, directions, and labels you see while you’re out. This teaches children that words are all around us, and it helps them understand the practical purposes of reading.
2. Cooking Together
- Follow a Recipe: Cooking with kids introduces them to sequencing, instructions, and measurement. Reading a recipe together helps with reading comprehension and vocabulary. Younger kids can help mix or pour, while older kids can practice reading ingredients aloud or measuring amounts.
- Talk About Ingredients and Techniques: Describe the ingredients, textures, and flavors as you cook. Words like “whisk,” “simmer,” and “chop” build vocabulary while making cooking an interactive, language-rich experience.
3. Using Songs and Rhymes
- Sing Together: Songs and rhymes help children hear the sounds of words, which is an important skill for reading. Singing also helps kids remember new words more easily and introduces them to rhythm and patterns in language.
- Make-Up Rhymes: Simple rhyming games are a fun way to practice language. Try coming up with rhyming words together or make a game of thinking of words that start with the same sound.
4. Describe Daily Routines and Activities
- Talk About the Day: Describing what you’re doing helps children learn new words and concepts. For example, as you fold laundry, talk about colors, clothing items, and sizes. While driving, describe the scenery or ask them to tell you what they see.
- Reflect on the Day: At bedtime or dinner, ask your child to talk about their favorite part of the day or something interesting they learned. This builds conversational skills and helps them learn to express their thoughts and emotions.
5. Use Art and Drawing as Story Starters
- Create a Story Together: After your child finishes a drawing, ask them to tell a story about it. Who are the characters? What’s happening in the picture? This creative activity helps children practice narrative skills and use their imagination.
- Label Drawings: Helping children label their drawings with simple words is a great learning opportunity. For example, if they’ve drawn a house, you might add words like “roof,” “door,” and “window.” This teaches them that words connect to the world around them.
6. Make Use of Digital Tools and Media
- Educational Apps and Shows: Many apps and shows encourage literacy skills, especially those that teach words, sounds, or basic reading concepts. Watching these together allows you to discuss what they’re learning and connect it to everyday life. There are even free storytime videos available for the whole family to enjoy!
- Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts: For kids who enjoy stories but don’t yet read on their own, audiobooks and children’s podcasts can be a great alternative. Listening to stories helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills.
Resources
Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy: A great resource for families with free digital books, parent guides, and online story times.
https://www.barbarabush.org/family-resources/
New York Public Schools: This link provides free printables such as flashcards and book discussion bingo.
https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/subjects/literacy/literacy-resources-for-families
DREME: Development and Research in Early Math Education: Fantastic resources for games and activities families can use to encourage math literacy. Has print-out instructions and activity guides.
