Ten Commitments for Parents
(Extracted from " Letters to Parents")
I will read with my child (ren) on a daily basis.
I will provide my child (ren) with a quiet, comfortable place to read and study.
I will encourage my child (ren) to develop a personal library and will contribute to it regularly.
I will provide my child (ren) with a wide range of experiences.
I will talk with (not to) my child (ren) on a daily basic.
I will praise my child (ren) for at least one success or improvement each day.
I will hug my child (ren) at least once a day.
I will respect each child as an individual -
each with his or her unique talents and abilities.
I will provide family activities which encourage my child (ren) to grow in mind, soul, and body.
I will encourage my child (ren) to view reading as an enjoyable and fulfilling lifetime experience.
Tips For Young Writer
(Adapted from "Tips for Young Writers" by Elvira Woodruff)
Read, read and read some more. The more you read, the better you write. The more you read, the easier it will be for you to pick up the "feel" of good writing.
Keep a notebook or a journal. Try keeping a notepad with you so you don't lose any great ideas. Keep a journal, where you can let out your innermost thoughts.
Write something everyday. It doesn't have to be great; it just has to be something. If you don't have a story or idea in mind that excites you, write something about your day. What made you laugh? What was your friend wearing? Did you overhear an interesting conversation while you were at the mall, library or restaurant? (Most writers are terrible eavesdroppers. We don't try to listen, but interesting comments just jump into our ears.) Form a "writing habit", and work to sharpen your observation skills.
Experiment. What kind of writing is the most fun for you? Do you like making up science fiction? Horror? Funny stories that make people laugh? Experiment with different kinds of writing. If it's fun for you to write, it'll usually be fun for others to read.
Become a people watcher. Wherever you are, take notice of people and their reactions to events. This will help you when you develop your characters.
Don't try and correct each and every word as you go. Write your story out and then go back and make your corrections. Worrying about spelling, grammar, and punctuation while you're writing can bog you down. Check errors after you've finished for the day.
Read what you've written out loud. By doing this, you can hear how the words flow.
Don't expect to be perfect, ever. Expect mistakes, and lots of them! Most writers rewrite over and over. And don't write in stone - meaning, don't think you can't change or improve what you've written, even if you've worked on it for a very long time. Sometimes you have to write through lots of trash before you get to the treasure.
Enter writing contests. Your school and local newspaper have lists of contests to participate in. Not only will it give you good practice writing and following guidelines, you can win prizes and often get your work published.
Write from your heart. Write about things that matter most to you and your words will soar.
Tips For Young Writer
(Adapted from "Helping Your Child Learn To Read" by the Ontario Ministry of Education)
Talk to Your Child
-Tell your child stories about your child's grandparents, about yourself and other relatives.
-Encourage your child to tell you how s/he is thinking and feeling.
-Sing songs, recite nursery rhymes and encourage your child to join in.
Make Reading Fun
-Read stories with excitement and drama. Create puppets to act out a story. Use your child's name instead of a character's name.
-Pointing to words as you read them allows your child to make the connection to the words you are reading and the ones on the page.
-Subscribe to magazines for your child. They will love to receive mail!
Read Every Day
-Have a comfortable spot to read where you can sit close to your child. -Make it your special reading place.
-Choose the length of reading time according to your child's age and interest. Several short sessions will be better for younger children than one long session of 30 minutes.
-Praise your child for his/her participation and input of ideas.
Set an Example
-Read food labels, maps or instructions out loud.
-Read signs in stores and restaurants and traffic signs.
-Read letters, emails and greeting cards from relatives and friends to your child.
Talk About Books
-Find out what kinds of books your child would like to read.
-Ask your child his/her opinion of the story. Do they agree with the author or disagree and why do they feel that way.
-Looking at the cover and title of the book, ask your child what he or she thinks the story might be about and what might happen.
Listen to Your Child Read
-Try and have your child read aloud to you at times when there will be no interruptions.
-Your child needs to be encouraged to "listen" to his/her reading so they can hear their mistakes and try to correct them.
-Talking about a story after your child has read it will ensure they understand what they are reading.
Show That You Value Your Child's Efforts
-Being aware of your child's reading level will allow you to choose the proper books and activities that will improve his or her reading skills.
-Be patient and flexible in your efforts to help your child. Show your child that you see him/her as a growing reader, and praise his/her efforts to learn.
