Are you a parent looking for goals that you can work
with your child on to improve literacy development? Check out "Early
Literacy Development" for a site that lists the top ten ways you can
improve literacy. Teachers may want to access http://www.scholastic.com/literacyplace/index.htm
for K-6 strategies about technology, phonics, and more. This site even
has a Spanish reading program entitled Solares! Literacy enrichment
activities can be found at
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/childlit.htm. Whatever your goals are
towards improved literacy, you'll find great ideas at these sites!
Did you know that the American Library Association has listed the Caldecott Medal award winning books since 1938? Great picture books can really fuel the imagination for further reading. Some favorites from the list are: Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClosky (1942), The Biggest Bear by Lynd K. Ward (1953), and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1964). Check out this site at http://ed-web3.educ.msu.edu/literacy/cald.htm.
Your classroom or home library will certainly benefit from having some titles from the Newbery Medal list. Excellent literature is sure to entice your reader to find more great books. Check out http://www.library.ci.glendale.ca.us./libserv/newbery.html for a list of favorites such as: Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (1984), Sarah Plain and Tall by S. MacLachlan (1986), The Giver by N. Lowry (1994), and The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman (1987). Have a great time reading!
Title I programs are supplementary academic programs. You'll find information at the reference sites list below. These programs were first authorized in 1965 to help students who were performing below level in reading and math. The Reading Recovery site below will give you useful information if you have first graders who are at risk. Reading Recovery is an early intervention, one-on-one tutorial program. Also, find out from your nearest school what it has to offer. Be informed!
Head Start programs have much to offer. Their websites are found at the reference sites list below. If you'd like to read some recent research concerning literacy, check on the NICHD -America Reads Challenge site located below. This site gives in-depth information by researchers concerned with an early and successful start to reading.
Whether you're a parent or a teacher, I hope you have found some excellent support sites in your quest to improve literacy. Good luck!
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Research Supports the America Reads Challenge
International Reading Association
International Reading Association - State, Provincial, National Association Web SItes
International Reading Association - International Projects
Top Ten Ways You Can Be Involved in Literacy
NIFL Public Awareness Campaign
Enhancing Emergent Literacy among Children in Head Start: A Review of Research and Examination of the Promise of Computer-based Interventions