Advice for Parents & Caregivers
“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” – National Commission on Reading
Reading with your young child will give them a great start in school – and it can be a lot of fun! A child’s ability to read directly impacts his or her future opportunities for success in all aspects of life, from education to job readiness, to self esteem and quality of life. You can have a direct impact on your child’s growth and skill development, today and every day, just by reading, singing, playing, and talking with them! Children who are read with from birth for at least 20 minutes a day are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% of their class in reading.
Five Handy Guides to Early Childhood Development
It is important to understand that most of the brain growth and development needed for success in school is accomplished BEFORE the child turns FOUR! Its never too late to start. Learn how to interact with your child in ways that will increase their chances for success – Read 20 can help! Along with our community partners, we have created these handy Early Childhood Guides so parents and caregivers can figure out what to do to help their future student stay on track during the all-important early years. There are Five Guides, one for each year, up to and including Kindergarten:
Early Childhood Guide 1 – Birth to 12 Months
Early Childhood Guide 2 – 13 to 24 Months
Early Childhood Guide 3 – 25 to 36 Months
Early Childhood Guide 4 – 37 to 48 Months
Kindergarten Guide (in English), (in Spanish)
Links to Other Organizations with Free Online Resources
You are not alone in seeking resources for reading with your children. Here are links to other organizations that provide free online materials, reading games, and even opportunities to get free books for your children:
READ 20’s Favorite Read Alouds – These are some the books we have the most fun reading with children.
Imagination Library – Sign up for Dolly Parton’s program to send a free book to your child every month.
Chattanooga Public Library Kids Resources – Learn about kids-focused events at your local branch of the Chattanooga Library, and access free resources available online.
Ready to Read – Gives early literacy skills up to 3rd grade. Lists songs, books and resources for parents to use to help promote reading.
Growing Up Reading – Describes development of reading and language skills from birth to first grade. You will find book and activity suggestions for babies, toddlers, preschoolers to first graders.
PBS Parents’ Guide to Reading & Language – Learn how children become readers and writers and how you can help them develop by talking, reading, and writing together every day.
Center For Early Literacy Learning (CELL) – Provides evidence-based early literacy practices for parents, teachers and caregivers for children birth through age 5.
Family Reading Experience – National PTA initiative teamed with Kindle to promote a reading experience that engages the entire family to improve reading skills in grades K-5. Activities are provided (in both English and Spanish).
Reading is Fundamental – Provides parents with articles, book lists and activities for reading
Child Development At Age 3 – Gives developmental information on the intellectual, physical, and social/emotional development growth of a 3-year-old child. Gives parents information on how to help encourage language and some basic pre-reading skills.
Tips For Improving Reading In Children and Teens – Parent articles on child development and how to help your child succeed in school.
Read Aloud America Book List – Read aloud book lists for all ages. Previous years are included
Other useful links
Chattanooga 2.0 – Chattanooga 2.0 is a community-led movement to write the next chapter in our future by transforming education and workforce opportunities in Hamilton County.
Hamilton County Department of Education – Gives parents and families access to local public education information about administration, teachers, curriculum, school information and school policy/procedures.
EDMODO – Allows students, teachers and parents a portal to interact with the school system to find out more in-depth information. Requires sign up.
TCAP Assessment – Provides information on standardized testing. Gives general information on how to prepare your child. Also provides a link with more in-depth information.
