Putnam County R-I Schools Logo

Reading & Writing over Christmas Vacation:How Parents Can Help

December 09, 2019

Launch the media gallery 1 player

Christmas is quickly approaching, and, along with that, our school vacation.  Our school calendar indicates that students have a lengthy amount of time off  (December 21-January 7).  Although this much-needed break is welcomed, we almost always notice a regression in students' reading over lengthy breaks from school.  To help prevent the backslide in progress, please look over the suggestions in this article, pick out a few that work for you and your family, and try your best to utilize at least one suggestion every other day while on break.  It may not always be easy to work into your busy schedule, but the extra effort will be well worth it. Here are the suggestions:

1.  Visit your public library.  Look for and read together the books that were your favorites when you were a kid. 

2.  Encourage your child to write....letters, thank you notes, emails, journals, lists, and stories.

3.  Provide word searches, crossword and other word games/puzzles. 

4.  Set aside a time and place for your child to read.  Consider a setting with a comfy chair and a reading light in a quiet place.

5.  Have magazines, newspapers, and books in your home.  Let your child see you reading and encourage them to read with you.  Be their reading role model. 

6.  Help your child find appropriate reading and word games online. 

7.  Read a mystery with your child and try to figure out the clues together.

8.  Enjoy a book together that has a movie version.  Read the book together first, then watch the movie.  Talk about which version you each liked better. 

Enjoy Christmas vacation with your child.  Hopefully, the utilization of these suggestions will help you enjoy that time together, while, at the same time, keeping your child on the reading path for success!