How to Engage Your Child in Literacy
Did you know both DaVinci principals are former English teachers—and parents, too? We’re excited to share tips for fostering literacy skills in your children. Engaging in literacy activities helps build reading, comprehension, language, and writing abilities while supporting fluency and critical thinking.
Create a Literacy-Rich Home
A literacy-rich home is key to supporting your child’s growth. Start by keeping books readily available, getting a library card, and discussing what your child is reading—whether it’s a class assignment or a book borrowed from the DaVinci Library. Make reading part of your daily routine by setting aside 10–20 minutes each evening, such as before bedtime.
For Younger Children
For younger children, reading aloud from birth is invaluable and can continue until they prefer reading independently. Enhance their engagement by asking open-ended questions during reading sessions and encouraging them to think critically. Fun activities like labeling household items, playing rhyming games, or making up stories together can make literacy enjoyable. Audiobooks and podcasts are also great tools for exposing children to language and ideas.
To support early literacy, consider using flashcards for sight words and turning them into games, such as matching activities. Imaginative play, like creating puppets or acting out stories, can further develop language skills. Be encouraging and avoid being overly critical as your child learns to read and answer questions.
For Older Children and Adolescents
Older children benefit from seeing reading modeled at home. Share books or magazines that align with their interests, join library book clubs together, and discuss current events or what they’re reading at school. Reading the same book and having conversations about it can strengthen their analytical and discussion skills.
Encourage exploration of different genres, and provide opportunities for creative writing, journaling, or storytelling. Incorporate technology positively by using apps or programs that build vocabulary or background knowledge. Watching and discussing films is another way to develop analytical thinking while enjoying a shared activity.
For Multilingual Learners
If your family speaks more than one language, use both your home language and English during literacy activities to build bilingual skills. Practice the alphabet, focus on letter sounds, and highlight figurative language in stories. Audiobooks and field trips can also provide enriching experiences that enhance comprehension and language exposure.
Our DaVinci staff can be a wonderful resource for recommendations on books, games, and engaging activities. Like any skill, literacy improves with practice, so make it a fun and rewarding part of your child’s day!
We believe that strong character traits are the foundation for a thriving school community. During the month of February, we’re highlighting Honesty, a value that encourages students to be truthful, trustworthy, and genuine in their words and actions.
Honesty is more than just telling the truth—it’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means owning up to mistakes, standing up for what’s right, and being reliable in how we interact with others. By fostering honesty in our school, we create an environment of trust, respect, and accountability where everyone can grow and succeed.
Throughout February, we’ll engage students in discussions and activities that help them understand the importance of honesty and how it positively impacts their relationships and community. Parents, you can join the conversation at home by sharing examples of honesty in action or talking about why being truthful is so important.
Let’s work together to inspire our students to embrace honesty in all aspects of their lives. Thank you for partnering with us in building strong character traits that last a lifetime!
