The Big Lift™ (Big Lift) is a preschool-third-grade collective impact initiative in San Mateo County, California. The initiative is a partnership of the County of San Mateo, San Mateo County Office of Education, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Launched in 2012, the initiative aims to boost children's reading proficiency by third grade…

This paper presents tips that parents can use to help their children become proficient readers. They are: (1) Talk to your children and then listen; (2) Create a language-rich environment; (3) Read with your children; (4) Help students find reading materials (5) When giving gifts or asked for gift ideas for your child, recommend books, magazine…

Watching television is not necessarily a bad habit, and when parents monitor their children's viewing habits, it can prove educational. Ways parents might teach their children to view television programs and commercials critically are suggested. (JL)

Noting that surveys show that teens still value their parents' opinions, this booklet contains many helpful suggestions designed to get parents and their teens reading and talking together. Sections of the booklet are: "Where To Begin? Know Your Teen"; "How Can I Get My Teen To Read?"; "Give Your Teen Reasons To…

This book, one of a series, presents information and books about folklore, as well as the article, "Parenting's Best-Kept Secret: Reading to Your Children" by Barbara Bush, which suggests steps to start a family read-aloud program. The message of the series urges parents and children to spend time together, talk about stories, and learn…

Parents are offered six suggestions, based on research, that can help produce successful readers and learners. (IAH)

This book, one of a series, shares ideas on how parents can help children cope with and learn from tests. The message of the series urges parents and children to spend time together, talk about stories, and learn together. The first part of each book presents stories appropriate for varying grade levels, both younger children and those in grades…

This book provides educators, parents and caretakers with a variety of instructional strategies for engaging K-8 students. These approaches are designed to enable all students to read easily and enjoyably by utilizing different styles and approaches. The techniques are not generally found in conventional classrooms, but are specifically targeted…

This book, one of a series, focuses on help with homework. The message of the series urges parents and children to spend time together, talk about stories, and learn together. The first part of each book presents stories appropriate for varying grade levels, both younger children and those in grades three and four, and each book presents stories…

This book, one of a series, focuses on how stress affects children's learning. The message of the series urges parents and children to spend time together, talk about stories, and learn together. The first part of each book presents stories appropriate for varying grade levels, both younger children and those in grades three and four, and each…

This 13-minute videotape describes how reading to children from the time they are born can help them become enthusiastic, active readers. It shows parents and children reading together in a variety of settings. It is designed for use in schools, day care centers, and for parent organizations to use in parent meetings. (RS)

Opportunities for parents to encourage reading in the family are noted and ways to enhance the reading experience are discussed, including writing letters to book characters, singing combined with reading aloud, supplementing school subjects with enjoyable reading, sharing books at family gatherings, and using family experiences for book…

If a child does not learn to read in the early grades, there are few opportunities for them to catch up. Therefore, the extent of a child's exposure to reading before the early school years is not only important, but critical. In this column, the author suggests ten easy ways to make reading a part of every young child's day: (1) Read and reread…

National data were utilized to examine the influence of reading for pleasure on African American high school students' reading achievement. Overall, the study found that reading for pleasure positively impacted African American students' scores on a standardized measure of reading. Implications for teachers and parents were discussed. (Contains 2…

Visiting the library is a great way for parents to encourage their child's imagination and learning. It gives parents the opportunity to model good reading behavior and to show their child that they value books and reading. No matter how young the child is, a trip to the library can be an enjoyable outing for parents and their children. Most…