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“Let’s Read Together!” 5 Family Literacy Tips

Ms. Mary Hernandez is the literacy specialist at Big Thought, where she shares her passion for reading with families and students in our programs. Read her advice on how to make reading fun for the whole family! 

Making personalized book crates during a family literacy event at Jubilee Park and Community Center 
  1. Books need a valued place in the home. Find a special way to store and display books, whether it’s a bookshelf, crate, or even a little box. 
  2. “You can’t love what you don’t know.” Expose children to a variety of genres. Help them select their own books based on their interests. 
  3. Public libraries are great resources. There may even be a Little Free Library in your neighborhood! For discounted books, stay tuned for the Scholastic book fair at school. If children are given an allowance, take a trip to Half-Price books, and make it a family shopping stop. 
  4. Read aloud. Listening to or reading books out loud helps expand children’s vocabulary. Encourage older kids to read to their younger siblings. Read together so children can ask you questions about things they hear or say. Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams says, “Reading Aloud with children is known to be the single most important activity for building the knowledge and skills they will eventually require for learning to read.”
  5. Lead by example. Interaction between family members is critical. Children learn from their parents/guardians. They will mirror what they see and value what you value. Demonstrate the importance of reading, by modeling for them.

Ms. Mary’s Favorite Books