There are many ways in which you can help you child's development at home. The responsibility for the total development of your child does not rest solely on the shoulders of educators.

How can parents help at home:

* Let you children see you read everyday. They will learn that reading is important.
* Read for enjoyment. Your child will copy from you.
* Make sure your child has books and other printed materials.
* Point out the letters and words that you see everywhere. Read aloud traffic signs, street signs, store signs, billboards, and maps as you travel to and from home and elsewhere.
* Give your children supplies for writing, such as chalkboards, chalk, markers, highlighters, a marker board, paper, pencils, and crayons.
* Give your children books as gifts on birthdays and on special holidays.

When reading a book with your child you can:

* Take your time reading. Do not rush.
* Point to the words as you read. Help them see that there are spaces between words, that you read from the top of the page to the bottom and from left to right.
* Ask them to think about the story as you read it.
* From time to time, talk about specific letters and words in the story.
* Get library cards for your children and let them choose books to check out.
* Let your children participate in comunity literacy programs. Enroll them in library-sponsored summer reading programs.
* Encourage your older children to read with your younger children.
* Remember to keep reading aloud to your children even after they read on their own!

Online resources for Parents:

PBS Parents
PBS Kids
Family Education Network
Scholastic Smart Parenting
Children's Recipes from A - Z
Family Fun Ideas
Ouders van nu
Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose