You can helpyour child learn to read by

• reading together every day• talking about the books you read together• singing and saying nursery rhymes together• visiting interesting places together• exploring new words together

You can helpsupport your child’s

classroom learning by

• making sure he or she reads at home• praising reading progress• helping to find different ways to figure out

unfamiliar words• talking about the information in your child’s

book

Let’stalkabout ...

The Atlantic Canada English language arts

curriculum is shaped by a vision of enablingand encouraging students tobecome reflective, articulate,literate individuals who use language

successfully for learning and communicating

in personal and public contexts.

This pamphlet is part of a series to inform parentsin Atlantic Canada about the English language artscurriculum, grades primary–6.

For more information, contact your child’s teacher.

Children learn toread most easily when they

• can choose what to read• receive support and feedback• are taught reading strategies• are encouraged to figure out unfamiliar

words• have an opportunity to practise reading

every day• have an opportunity to talk about reading

every day

How You CanHelp Your ChildLearn to Read

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Having conversations with your

child helps him or her to

• learn new words and phrases• explore how language works• express feelings, opinions, and reactions• ask questions to clarify his or her thoughts

and feelings

Listening to your child helps him

or her to

• understand that his or her opinion is valued• learn to listen to others

Reading together every day is

really important, and can take place

anywhere and anytime. You can try

reading some of the following with

your child:

• picture books and alphabet books• food labels and recipes• traffic and construction signs• newspapers and magazines• television guides and flyers• cards, letters, e-mails, and Web pages

Participate in a variety of

experiences with your child,

including

• going to a library event such as story hour• watching a television show or video and

discussing things such as what mighthappen next or what the characters werelike

• going to a social, cultural, or recreationalactivity in your neighbourhood

How You CanHelp Your ChildLearn to Read

let’s talk about ...

Families play a valuable role in fostering a child’s reading development.

Families provide important learning experiences that teachers build on when

a child comes to school. Families continue to support their child’s learning by

reinforcing what is taught at school. Strong links between home and school

help to ensure that children become successful readers.

Three tips for helping your child become a successful reader are to talk with

your child, read with your child, and share with your child.

1 2 3Talkwith your child

Readwith your child

Sharewith your child