Examples that require little or no money:

1. “Family members are a child’s first and most important teachers. A growing body of research demonstrates that when families are actively engaged in their child’s learning, children are better prepared for school and achieve at higher levels.” 1

2. Take mini field trips, then check out books and locate websites with information about the topic. Children (and adults) are better able to retain new information about subjects they are familiar with and can relate to (and, thus, already have an interest in). (See next slide for examples)

3. Examples that require little or no money: • Caves/caverns/waterfalls • Hikes to identify trees/leaves, rock formations, wildlife, etc. (See “What’s Happening” in THR for guided outings.) • Bird watching – use guide to identify birds • Swimming / wading in river, lake, ocean • Museums – small, obscure is OK • Art exhibits • College campuses • Zoos • Factories / Businesses (Glass factory in PJ or Corning), Crayola, print shop / newspaper publisher • Children’s Science / Discovery Centers • Planetarium Any suggestionsto add to list?

4. Read road signs and license plates out loud. Locate places on maps you see on signs or license plates. Use road atlas to determine best driving route. Create “I Wonder” questions and possibly plan next vacation or field trip to discover answers.

5. Sing Songs While Reading Lyrics

6. Share Joke and Riddle Books • Strengthens reading skills (allows them to practice reading out loud with fluidity and accuracy) • Promotes higher order thinking skills, often requiring them to identify and recognize the implied meaning of a phrase or word, rather than its literal meaning • Encourages creative thinking

7. Read Poetry Fun examples: Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Bruce Lansky (www.gigglepoetry.com )

8. Find Local Authors and Topics Again, making connections promotes greater interest and better retention of information about topic. Read about the author / illustrator; read his/her work(s); discuss whether NY state is reflected in book and how; look up information about topic (Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls) NYS Authors and Illustrators of Books for Young People http://nysauthorsandillustrators.pbworks.com/w/page/6408331/FrontPage www.amazon.com – books  advanced search  keywords: “new york”  subject: “children’s books”

9. Read and Follow Directions. Build models (airplane, car, ship), make a birdhouse, cook something new by finding and following a recipe, or perform any other craft / activity that requires reading and following directions.Suggestions?

10. From www.atyourlibrary.com : “Make storytime delicious! Ask a children’s librarian to recommend a book with a food theme. Read the book together at home and follow it by snacking on a food that was featured in the book.” • Green Eggs & Ham (Dr. Seuss) • Bread & Jam for Frances (Hobarth) • The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Carle) • Strega Nona (DePaola) • Too Many Tamales (Soto) • Blueberries for Sal (McCloskey) • Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Barrett) • Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z (Ehlert) • Vegetables We Eat (Gibbons) • Ten Apples Up on Top (Dr. Seuss) • M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Math (McGrath) • If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, …Moose a Muffin, …Pig a Pancake (Numeroff) Examples:

11. Go to The Library • Roscoe Free Public Library (and other libraries in area that are part of the Ramapo Catskill Library System) http://www.rcls.org/ros/ • http://www.atyourlibrary.org/connectwithyourkids • Pre-School Books by theme: http://www.preschoolrainbow.org/book-themes.htm • (Most books listed are appropriate for PK-2)

12. RESULTS OF SURVEYFavorite Books as a Child *Chosen by More ThanOne Person: *Harry the Dirty Dog *Dr. Seuss *Goodnight Moon *Stone Soup Ferdinand the Bull Poky Little Puppy If you Give a Mouse a Cookie Are You My Mother? I Was So Mad James & the Giant Peach Nancy Drew series

13. Read to Their Children and Their Children’s Favorites • Dr. Seuss • Goodnight Moon • ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas • Nursery Rhymes • Rainbow Fish • Guess How Much I Love You • Cat in the Hat • It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny • The Giving Tree & Shel Siverstein poetry

14. Your Child’s Library Books • The books your child chooses reflect his or her interests. • If can’t read the books, note topics • Encourage curiosity by drawing attention to environmental prompts related to that topic throughout the week. (See next slide for examples)

15. These discussions can be had anywhere at anytime and can last from a few seconds to as long as it stays interesting – should not turn into a lecture Example: “Statue of Liberty” Example: “Dogs” Different types of dogs Genes - animal / human differences Compare mammals / birds / amphibians / reptiles / insects / plants, etc. Compare dogs / cats / pets Domestication Habitats • Note examples of: • Freedom (use term “liberty”) • Immigrants • Cultural differences • France / Europe / countries / continents / Atlantic Ocean • Statues

16. Use books as a springboard for discussion and to ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY Wonder Share Information Find Answers

17. “Let’s find out…” “Let’s look it up…” “Where do you think we can find out?”

18. “Children whose home experiences promote the literacy scene as a source of entertainment are likely to be motivated to read.”2 fun Reading should be not a chore.

19. Roderick, Deborah. “Engaged Families, Effective Pre-K; State Policies that Bolster Student Success,” PEW Center on the States: Education Reform Series (July 2010). http://www.preknow.org/documents/family_engagement_july2010.pdf • Anderson, Sherlie A. "How Parental Involvement Makes A Difference in Reading Achievement." Reading Improvement 37.2 (2000): 61. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 July 2011.