Did you know there are many questions you could ask your child during common, daily activities that would reinforce a reading skill? Below are just a few scenarios.1. Riding Around Town
a. Have your child name beginning, middle, or ending letters and sounds for
names of stores, streets, and auto tags. Reverse questioning by saying you see a store beginning with a certain letter or sound and ask your child which one it is. b. Reinforce sequencing by telling a couple of letters in a store or street name and asking which one comes next. c. Practice classifying by asking how many restaurants, clothing stores, pet stores, etc. your child sees on a block or in a shopping center. Instead of how many, ask your child to name them. d. To reinforce adjectives and nouns, have your child describe what he sees using as many of five senses as possible. e. Take this opportunity to practice left and right!! When approaching an intersection, ask which way you are going to turn and do not accept "That way!" as an answer!
2. Going Grocery Shopping
a. Read ingredients of a product. Which is most prevalent? (Clue: The answer is first ingredient listed.) b. Find nutrition information on label. How much sugar, or anything else, is in product? c. Locate cooking directions. Will you be able to microwave item? If you have to prepare it and have only 30 minutes to do so, will you have enough time if you buy this product? d. How is store laid out? Make a rough diagram when you get home. Will you find apples where cereal is? Will you find spaghetti on an aisle labeled Pasta? e. Compare two similar products for nutrition value, time to prepare, price, etc. Which is healthiest? Which is better value?
3. Going to a Restaurant
a. The menu is a great teaching tool! Have your child read name of 3rd vegetable, description of 8th entree, price of 5th dessert, etc. b. Read name of a food, yourself, and ask your child to read description; or read description and ask for name of food. c. Choose your entree and describe it. Is there anything sweet in it? Spicy? Review adjectives and nouns and be specific (ie: instead of big hamburger, try extra-large hamburger). d. Compare two entrees for same and different ingredients. e. Predict how a new entree or vegetable will taste. f. For math, estimate total cost and amount of tax. Do NOT use a calculator!
