Literacy matters in the classroom but starts at home. Data shows that just 43% of elementary students in Guilford County Schools are proficient in reading, highlighting opportunities for intervention at the earliest stages of a young child’s life. By building strong literacy habits outside of its classroom, families can play a powerful role in closing the educational gap and nurturing a love for reading and lifelong learning from an early age. Here are three easy ways parents and caregivers can help improve children’s literacy and comprehension skills at home:
Replace screen time with Reading Aloud
Reducing screen time can lead to vast improvements in a child’s memory retention, articulation, and comprehension. Statistics connect heavy device usage, with a 9-10% lower chance of higher scores on testing, according to MI Blue Daily. Substituting screen time with reading aloud with your child allows you to study language, create alphabet activities, and create a curious environment.
Foster Creativity
Creative expression, like drawing, singing, and telling stories, is another way to improve young children’s writing and reading skills. These activities engage visual and motor processing, creating more neural connections for deeper learning than just reading or writing alone. Designating a time for creative expression is also a useful tool for emotional regulation, improved decision-making skills, lower stress (cortisol), and improved focus.
Create Flash Cards
When reading, create flash cards with new words. This can foster an environment of curiosity and growth while assisting in expanding your child’s vocabulary. Practicing words before and after school can serve as positive mental stimulation while integrating new learning and development habits.
At GenerationEd, we support literacy development through Head Start. This federally funded program, that comes at no cost to families, lays the foundation for school readiness and prepares children from ages 6 weeks to 4 years old for lifelong academic and personal success. Children enrolled in our Head Start/Early Head Start program receive exceptional early learning supported by a research-based curriculum, while parents and caregivers are equipped with resources and strategies to help facilitate your role as your child’s first teacher. Additional Head Start benefits include kindergarten preparation provided by highly trained staff, free developmental screenings, medical, dental and mental health services, and support for children with disabilities.
“The program focuses on enhancing children’s cognitive development through structured activities and play, which are designed to improve language, literacy, and numeracy skills,” said Rashad Gaines, Head Start Director at GenerationEd. “Research has shown that children who participate in Head Start perform better in reading and math compared to their peers who did not attend the program.”
When learning is deliberate and focused, it increases the chances of your child’s success in and outside of the classroom. To take advantage of resources like Head Start contact GenerationEd at (336) 378-7700.
