For Families and Educators

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Families Building Better Readers

For Families

How to B-U-I-L-D a Better Reader

For more information on how to gain resources for helping your child read, please download our Blueprints for Success, Elementary PDFs.

*To download files below, right-click each with your mouse button

Download Blueprints for Success: English Version | Spanish Translation | Creole Translation

Be positive!
  • Take the approach of a positive coach when working with your child. A child learns best from a parent who is supportive and uncritical. Your child needs to hear you say again and again, “You can do it!”
  • Always set your child up for success to build self-efficacy (personal belief that he or she is capable). This “I-can” attitude means your child is less likely to quit, even when learning proves difficult.
Unplug the TV!
  • Unplug the TV. Time is better spent reading.
  • When your child does watch TV, turn on the close caption option to develop concept of word/word identification. Encourage the viewing of quality educational programming to build knowledge base and vocabulary that are necessary for good comprehension.
Increase time spent reading!
  • Studies show the average child spends only 5 minutes a day reading outside of school hours. That is simply not enough practice!
  • The single most important activity related to eventual success in reading is time spent reading…practice, practice, practice!
  • Can you dedicate at least 20 minutes per day to guide your child’s reading practice? That time adds up to over 100 hours a year. These hours of practice with your one-on-one help will make a big difference in your child’s reading ability.
Learn new ways to practice at home!
  • Keep up the good things you are already doing to help your child in school, such as supervising homework and reading books together daily!
  • Learn 10 new simple yet effective strategies in our Blueprints for Success.
  • Enjoy learning a poem with your child.
Decide to partner with your school!
  • The school has a role to play and so do you. The school provides initial instruction. Your part is to give your child opportunities to practice what is learned in school at home.
  • Your decision to make your child’s education a priority makes a big difference. There is a strong correlation between parent involvement and academic performance. Thank you for demonstrating your commitment to your child’s education.