Family Reading Readiness Toolkit
Did you know that family involvement is the number one predictor of early literacy success and future academic achievement? Literacy skills begin in the home and families can have a powerful impact on a child’s literacy development.
Engaging with your child at home and on the go in daily literacy activities can create a more enriching learning environment and significantly impact your child’s reading and writing skills.
To assist you, Side-by-Side has created Literacy Tool kits for busy families. Side-by-Side is a science of reading network of professionals and community members who are learning and sharing how children and youth can best “learn to read” so they can “read to learn”.
What is a Family Toolkit? How do I use it?
We believe families are an under-utilized resource and partner. As we all know, learning starts at home. For too long, families have not been provided usable resources to support their own child’s reading development. This toolkit is meant to provide you with real resources you can use at home with your child that will improve their reading skills.
Resources are broken down by ages and stages. First, use the What is the Science of Reading tab to build your own understanding of how the brain learns to read. Then, find the tab that matches your child’s age, read the overview and download the toolkit. Interact with the resources and use them daily for 15 minutes with your child.
Printable Flashcards
How to Use the Flashcards
- Start with the Literacy Screening Tool: Before using the flashcards, complete the Literacy Screening Tool in your toolkit. This will help you figure out where to start with the flashcards.
- Follow the Flashcard Sequence: Each set of flashcards is numbered and designed to be used in order. Start with the flashcards suggested by the screening tool and work through them step by step.
- Use the Script on the Back of Each Card: Each flashcard has a script on the back to help guide you. Simply read the script and follow the instructions as you work with your child. The script includes repetition to help your child connect letters and sounds. This repetition is important, don’t skip it!
- Focus on Letter Sounds, Not Letter Names: As you use the flashcards, emphasize the letter sounds, not the letter names. This is key to helping your child build a strong reading foundation.
- Use the Introduction Set First: Start with the introduction flashcards. Once your child is comfortable with these letters and sounds, move on to the review set to reinforce what they’ve learned.
- Practice for 10-15 Minutes Per Day: Spend about 10-15 minutes each day using the flashcards. This regular, short practice will help your child get the repetition they need without overwhelming them.
- Master One Set Before Moving On: Don’t move on to a new set of flashcards until your child has mastered the current set. Mastery means they know the letter sounds without hesitation.
- Take Your Time and Have Fun!: Learning to read takes time and lots of practice. The repetition in these cards is meant to help your child get plenty of “at-bats” with each sound. Stay patient, be encouraging, and celebrate progress along the way!
This resource was created in partnership with:
