Building a Home Library Checklist
Some Ideas to Explore When Getting Started:
You are your Child's First and Most Important Teacher
Your home is where your child will get their first experiences with books and reading. These early explorations will soak in like water to a sponge and set the stage for future reading success! Take a moment to think about your home literacy environment. Sometimes just thinking about things and raising awareness or making small changes makes the most difference!
Does My Child Have...
- at least 1 alphabet book
- writing materials (pencils, crayons, notebooks or journals)
- rhyming books/ nursery rhymes
- picture books that are interesting and that they like to read
How Can I Help?
- I read picture books to and with my child each night
- I ask questions about new words every day
- I tell my child nursery rhymes and stories each week
- I ask questions that start with "Why do you think..." or "How come..."
What My Child Sees Me Doing...
- Reading for pleasure at least twice a week?
- Reading for information (cookbooks, articles, online reading, instructions, magazines, etc.)
- Asking questions when we read together
What I Can Do...
- Read picture books or appropriate chapter books each night for about 15 minutes with my child
- Set a good example by letting my child see me read
- Ask my child what they have read or what stories they have heard and enjoyed in school each day
- Let your child know how proud you are of them as beginning readers and set high expectations for them in school
Where Can I Find Help?
Slackwood School's Family Literacy Corner should be your first choice as a go-to resource! Visit us at by clicking here!
http://www.ltps.org/Slackwood.cfm?subpage=1828429
Another amazing site for parents is Reading Rockets- It offers answers, tips and suggestions for just about any question you might have about your child's early literacy development! Check it out!
Thank you!
The time spent reading to and with your child is so precious and important. You have taken the time to show that you are already doing so much to guide your child on their way- And we are always here to help! Together we can pave the way for unlimited possibilities for your child!
We Are Here to Help!
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns! We are here to partner with you in any ways we can.
Happy Reading!
MaryEllen Wallauer
First Grade Teacher/ Book Lover
Email: mwallauer@ltps.org
Website: http://www.ltps.org/Slackwood.cfm?subpage=5926
Location: Slackwood Elementary School, Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township, NJ, United States