Natural Literacy Activities

Just to share these pointers I got from Mindchamps - Joey Parents workshop. I must say what makes Xav almost an independant reader by the age of 3 and being able to read up to Level 12 of the graded books from Mindchamps reading assessment, is from the activities I did with him. Infact right now, he can actually read out some unfamiliar words which I did not show him before. Not sure if he uses sight word reading or his phonics. But surely am sure he combined both method.

As per the handout given to us :

Here are some natural literacy activities that create the best readers and writers :

1. Read to your children everyday - This exposes them to multiple language structures, a wide vocabulary and the sheer joy of language.

As far as I can, I try to read to Xav twice a day, before his nap and at bedtime.

2. Engage in conversation with your child frequently - This expands their spoken vocabulary. Research shows that strong verbal skills are linked to strong reading skills.

I'm still trying to improve on this though. Right now I try to get Xav relate what did he do in school to me daily.

3. Point out written language in your environment - For example, point out writing on things such as street and traffic signs, packaging and posters. This connects the written word with useful and important information.

What Xav normally did was, he always get me to read out to him the signs on the train cabins. No durians, no smoking etc. On the lift, he loves to read the numbers and level indicators. Even on the lrt platform, he will ask me what's reflected on the screen and I will guide him into reading " There is no train service on this platform ... etc "

4. Arrange play dates with friends - This encourages interaction and will expand your child's vocabulary through negotiation, discussion and role play.

erm .. This only happens during school holidays perhaps or PH when the kids meet up for playdates.

5. Play letter, sound or word games - Games such as scrabble, Memory or Snap increase exposure to letters, sounds and common words in a fun and playful way.

6. Ensure your child observes you reading - when you read infront of your children you are being a strong role model., communicating that you value reading.

7. Make your home a "literacy rich environment" - Ensure plenty of reading materials available at home such as a bookshelf of age appropriate books, in addition to other forms of reading materials such as magazines, newspapers and brochures.

8. Engage in activities with your child that involve reading - For example, read and make recipes together and create shopping lists.

I will get Xavier to try and read out the recipe I wrote on the easel.

9. Have a set of magnetic letters on your fridge - This encourages your child to spontaneously manipulate letters and begin forming words.

10. Take your child to the library - Make trips to the library a regular exciting outing with your child.

Parents who engage in natural literacy acivities find that their children spontaneously recognise letters, sounds and words, and sometimes report that their child seemed to start reading independently !

So if you have yet to start reading to your children. Start now !