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Giving the Gift of Literacy

December 08, 2018

Christmas is right around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about gift-giving.  Children love to give, as well as, receive presents.  Here are a few ideas that will encourage your child to put his reading and writing skills to work by creating his own gifts:

*Reading Coupons:  Have your child think of 10 reading/writing-related activities he can do for someone else.  Example:  "I will read you a story after lunch."  "I will write the shopping list for this week."  Ask him to write each one down on an index card which can then be presented as a coupon.  Then your child can distribute his reading coupons/gifts to loved ones.

*Books/Stories:  Children love to use their imaginations.  Encourage your child to write a story in which he uses his imagination to create his own unique story.  Take it a step further and have him illustrate the story.  The biggest decision your child will then have to make is to whom shall receive the book.

*Readers' Theater:  There are lots of free scripts on the web that have taken children's literature and turned them into plays.  Have your child pick one script that he would like to practice (may need others to help act out some roles).  By reading and practicing the script over and over, your child will then be ready to present a "Readers' Theater" to loved ones gathered together for the holidays. 

These are just a few ideas out of many that will allow your child to use and practice his literacy skills in a creative, gift-giving way.  Merry Christmas!