The dismissal bell will soon ring on the 2024-25 school year. The end of the school year is a time for reflection and when discussions about the begin.
These discussions may prompt concerns about regressions in academic skills gained throughout the school year — and what parents and caregivers can do to maintain these skills.
Setting the stage for literacy success
Although parents and caregivers should not be expected to deliver the same at home as their children receive in school by trained educators (that is, clear, concise instruction that follows a pre-determined order based on research and attainment of prerequisite skills), there are ways that parents and caregivers can seamlessly continue to foster a love of literacy during the summer months.
is a fundamental component and foundation for early literacy success. A love of literacy can , vocabulary and reading comprehension. Fostering a love of literacy is an accessible and practical way for families to be involved in the process of early literacy development.
Fostering a love of literacy without pressure
There are many ways that parents and caregivers can foster a love of literacy during the summer months, all without the pressures and demands of busy schedules and formal instruction.
Summer break is a time to unwind, relax and strengthen family connections. This list below details some simple suggestions to infuse literacy into everyday tasks and routines.
1. Incorporate literacy into everyday activities. Invite your child to create lists that not only keep them in the loop of summer activities, but also provide a way for them to . Invite your child to write the grocery list, to-do lists, summer bucket lists or packing lists for day trips or vacations. Compliment their writing and focus on their willingness to participate, not their spelling or letter formation.
2. Explore books for enjoyment and special interests. During the school year, students often practise their reading with books that are targeted to their current learning skill focus. Embracing books that are reflective of your child’s special interests can increase their background knowledge on a variety of topics, spark their curiosity and provide them with a sense of control over their reading selections.
Reading or viewing books that align with special interests (also known as within the neurodiversity community) is particularly important for . Particularly for neurodiverse children, spending time engaging in special interests can be a self-regulatory strategy and provides a sense of .
3. Embrace low-stakes literacy learning opportunities. Reading aloud recipes, labels, brochures and textual signs or messages seen throughout our everyday environments (also referred to as ) can provide great opportunities to focus on foundational literacy skills such as . Identify the letters and sounds in the words, or point out which letters are capitalized. Activities that focus on phonemic awareness, such as “I spy,” can be a great way to practise this skill. Whether you’re at the park or going for a walk, invite your child to identify an object that begins or ends with a particular letter and/or letter sound.
4. Incorporate games into family time. Board games are a great way to spend time as a family while simultaneously promoting children’s early literacy and . Board games also provide opportunities for children to , enhance vocabulary, problem solve, think critically and .
5. Get messy! The summer months are an opportune time to get outdoors and embrace the elements. Writing letters or words in the sand or with a variety of sensory tools can make learning more engaging. Chalk, paint, window markers, sand, sticks and other natural elements can all serve as . Getting messy while learning also promotes collaborative clean-up time, which strengthens everyday learning skills including responsibility, teamwork, accountability and organization.
Integrating summer learning opportunities into quality family time can help children associate literacy with feelings of comfort and closeness of loved ones. As families continue to seek active ways to integrate quality into their busy schedules, these opportunities can leverage available time and continue to build a love of literacy in the process.
Kimberly Hillier does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
