Simple Ways to Increase Literacy

    Many parents worry about their children’s reading abilities.  They become overly concerned when yearly state tests show their children ’s scores down in reading and comprehension.  They wonder what can be done to help their children become better readers despite all that they have done or are doing.  Below are some simple ways to increase literacy in both children and adults:

1.  Read daily something of interest.  Take at least 20-30 minutes a day to read the Bible, books, magazines, or articles which hold your interest.  For small children very simple Bible stories written on a primer level can be used.  Make sure what is being read holds the attention of the reader.  The level of the material should not pose readability challenges.  Grade level books can be gotten.  For adults, large print and easier language is helpful.

2.  Use a dictionary to define words which pose problems.  For smaller children, ask the child to write down new words.  Parents can explain these words to them.  Also parents can write the new words down on a card and have the child keep in a vocabularyor “New Word” box, or write the new words on a strip and tape it to the child’s bedroom wall or above his/her desk.  At the end of a week, ask the child what each word means.  Adults can keep a log of or small notebook of new words and their definitions.  Adults should take every opportunity to use these new words throughout the week and ever after.  Using a word fixes it in the mind.

3.  Sign children up with reading clubs especially throughout the summer.  They can check books of interest out and make out simple book reports for points and prizes given out at each public library.  Adults often find authors that write series.  They have the privilege of checking the books written by the author and may also request the latest works of that author at the service desk of the library if the books are not immediately available.  Most libraries can have the newer books brought to their branches. 

4.  Children can be encouraged to produce their own books.  Using a little construction paper, notebook paper or writing tablets, children can write their own creations and staple them.  Parents may help them to make the necessary spelling and grammar corrections.  These self produced books can then become part of the child’s literacy library.  Adults can also write simple books of poetry or journals.  These can be added to their literacy library.