Literacy is a Family Thing (L.I.F.T) Reading Program
I am very excited about starting our L.I.F.T (Literacy is a Family Thing) Home Reading Program. I know your children will enjoy this aspect of our Junior Grade 1 program!
Reading together is the most important homework you can do with your child. It helps your child with print awareness, phonological awareness and oral language. These three areas most significantly impact your child's literacy skills. The ability to read and write is necessary to master other subjects and to communicate what is learned. Even more important, children who enjoy reading will continue to learn and grow throughout their lives.
I have included some tips for you to try during your read-aloud times at home:
Remember that the art of listening is an acquired one. It must be taught and cultivated gradually so vary the length and subject matter of your reading.
Stop before the end of the story. Ask your child to predict what he/she thinks may happen next.
After reading a story have your child tell you in his/her own words what happened in the story.
When reading a story have your child look at the text and point to all the letters of one kind they can find. (ex. Find all of the T’s on this page - what sound does T make?)
On the first day of each week, your child will be sent home with a new L.I.F.T package, which will include a book, a stuffed animal, and an activity to complete after reading the story. The package sent home with your child will also include a Reading Log. Please include your child’s name, the date, and any comments or questions your child had about the story (eg. “My favorite part was when ______.” or “I wonder why ______?”)
Because L.I.F.T is a program that requires commitment for both parents and students to participate, I have included an agreement that must be signed and returned in order to participate. This signature indicates that you and your child commit to participating in this program and returning the L.I.FT packages on time, with all of the package contents in tact. L.I.F.T bags must be returned by the last day of the school week, so that I can prepare to send home new packages the first day of the following week.
Thank you for your help with the L.I.F.T program. Please contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
***At this time, there are six parents/students who have signed the L.I.F.T agreement to participate, and return packages on time with all contents included.***
In your package you will find:
- A book (or two)
- A stuffie that relates to the theme of the book
- A fun song or activity to complete with your child after reading the book
With this initial week as an exception, packages will be sent home on the first day of each school week and must be returned by the last day of the school week
The first six packages went home today- enjoy! As always, do not hesitate to call if you have any further questions or require additional information!
