HOME AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

PARENT INVOLVEMENT AS EDUCATORS AT THORNWOOD

Why Early Reading Matters

· Reading success is the foundation for achievement throughout the school years.

· There is a critical window of opportunity from the ages of four to seven for learning to read. This is their foundation for success at school for years to come.

· Effective schools and classroom teachers involve families in their children’s education and help them to connect with relevant resources in the broader community.

· Children are more likely to succeed when their parents are actively involved in their education.

· The best time for children to start reading is when they are very young.

· It is vital that children be read to several times a day at a very early age in order for children to do better at school.

· Parents should be encouraged to continue to develop their children’s literacy skills in the home language.

· Skills in the first language naturally support and reinforce the learning of a second language.

· Parents and other family members who are able to volunteer in the classroom can provide valuable support for the classroom reading program.

· Teachers can help to build positive partnership with families by identifying the parents’ level of participation and work towards removing barriers that may be preventing further participation.

· Cultural groups in the community can be encouraged to contribute books, audiotapes and videos for classroom libraries or home lending programs or to participate in inter-generational projects.