This ongoing class activity encourages families to become more involved with their children's literacy development by participating in reading and literacy activities together. After adopting a stuffed animal as a class mascot, teachers construct a home literacy bag which include the mascot, books, and other literacy related supplies. Each child has an opportunity to take the mascot home, read books, and write journal entries with his or her family. After an evening of activities with the famliy, the child brings the bag and its contents back to school and shares the entries with the class. Children's journal pages are compiled into a book for the classroom library.
This lesson was originally prepared for kindergarten through second grade, however, the activities and experiences included are worthwhile for younger children, too. (author/ncl,nmb)
Reading Process: Concepts of Print, Comprehension
Strategies and Self-Monitoring Strategies
for Early Childhood
Independent Reading
9.
Select favorite books and poems and participate in shared oral readings and discussions.
Writing Applications for Early Childhood
Writing Applications
4.
Dictate words or produce writing approximations for a variety of purposes (e.g., menus in dramatic play, note to friend).
Communication: Oral and Visual Early Childhood
Speaking Applications
6.
Present own experiences, products, creations or writing through the use of language (e.g., share and talk about a drawing with others).