Family Literacy Nights - Texas Association for the Education of ...

Family Fun Night!Each literacy-based Family Fun Night will be held for 1 ½ hours.– Whole Group gathering time includes songs, finger plays and a read aloud.– 4 center based activities based on literacy practices– Refreshments, a book and certificate to be given to each family.Whole Group (15 min)Story Reading – read aloud/print and book/language developmentSing Along – community building/phonological awarenessCenter-Based Activities (1 hour)Book-making – print and bookPaper–bag puppet – language developmentName puzzles – letter knowledgeABC Bingo - letter knowledgeRefreshments and free book distribution w/completed evaluation (15 min)I. Getting StartedSTEP-BY-STEP SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANNING FAMILY FUN NIGHT1. Read overview, mark dates on calendar, confirm location and site workshop partners.2. Post signs for parents 2 weeks in advance on each classroom door and on office door inSpanish and English .3. Discuss Family Fun Night with children and invite children to create the invitation in class.Send home invitation one week ahead of time. The entire extended family is invited ifthey would like to attend.4. Follow-up with verbal and wrist-wrapper reminders the day before and day of event.II. Preparation and Implementation1. Arrange for food (simple cookies and milk) for attendees.2. Arrange to distribute free books to all attendees with certificate at the end of theevent. Evaluation forms must be turned in to receive book and certificate.3. Prepare all handouts and staple together including: agenda, directions for that night’sactivities, and special informational handouts. Provide certificates, evaluation formsseparately.4. Review activities, determine location and assign a teacher and teacher assistant tofacilitate each activity. Teaching staff will demonstrate how to work with the child to dothe activity (asking questions, encouraging the child to participate and talk about what ishappening).5. Collect materials for each activity and have a kit available to the teacher/teacherassistant facilitators. Make a sample of each activity to share with parents.6. Center Directors are responsible for interacting with parents and keeping the event onschedule.

10 Ways to Help Your Young Child Read and Write1. Use your child’s interests as a guide.Encourage your child where he/she is in his/her stage of development.(Ex: Do they like to paint, work puzzles, play with playdoh, build with blocks? Give them this opportunity.)Forcing a young child to write, cut with scissors, or read at too early an age produces frustration,boredom (especially as they get older) and even failure as most young children do not have the muscledevelopment or fine motor control necessary for this skill yet.2. Read to your child daily.It is especially important to read books they are interested in and have selected even if you’ve read themmany times before. Include a wide variety of materials: books, magazines, newspaper, shopping lists, mail,signs in the environment, menus, recipes, etc.3. Let your child dictate stories to you.Write down their stories. They can illustrate the story by drawing a picture, too.It is very important that children see that spoken words can become printed words.4. Write your child’s name on large card or paper.Have them trace name with glue and sprinkle with glitter or cover with yarn.(You can even use jello powder to create a smelly name card.)5. Encourage your child to act out or retell favorite stories.They especially enjoy acting out nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and stories they have written.6. Play a board game or card game with your child.This provides a ready-made reading opportunity.Reading the directions and game components with your child helps develop skills while having fun.7. Check It Off.By making a chart of your child’s responsibilities and daily activities, you can help establish routines andread together, too. Have your child read and check off each activity as it is done.8. Family MemoriesWhen your child receives a special card or other momento, suggest making a memory scrapbook. Haveyour child ~read the scrapbook to you each time you add a new keepsake.A scrapbook of your child’s years at Head Start would be a great way to start!9. Pet CareIf your child is interested in a pet, suggest reading together about that animal.You might also read the directions on pet care products.10.It’s More Than a DateHow often does your child ask what day it is or how long until his/her birthday? Establish a dailyreading habit by reading the calendar together. Better yet, make a personal calendar and fill it in withfamily birthdays and other special events. Counting down to special occasions will help develop mathskills as well.There’s no better reason for reading together than reading for fun!!Sharing a good story is a great way to end your day!!

Family Fun Night!Welcome to our Pajama Party!To celebrate a year full of learning, we thought it might be fun to explore together differentways to promote literacy (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) with our children. Our eveningwill begin with a Sing-Along and Story Time followed by a variety of activities in each of theclassrooms. You are free to move from classroom to classroom to participate with your children.We will end our evening together with refreshments!!Sing Along/Story TimeActivity HourPuppetsBook – MakingName PuzzlesABC BingoRefreshments6:30pm - 6:45pm6:45pm - 7:45pm7:45pm - 8:00pmBefore Leaving:‣ Please turn in your evaluation form to receive a free book and certificate for your family.Thank you for coming and sharing your evening with us!

ABC BingoWhat you need3 Bingo Boards – printed on colored cardstock(1 ofeach color)1 sheet of ABC stickers13 3x5 index cards, cut in half27 Bingo circlesSheet protectors for Bingo BoardsSmall size baggie to hold alphabet letter cardsBlack SharpiesGlue sticksScissorsWhat you do1.Place 1 letter sticker in each space on the bingoboards (x,y,z in same space)leaving middle space as afree space on each board2. Write a different letter on each of 26 ½ sizeindex cards3. Place letter cards in small sized baggies (store insheet protector).4. Play ABC Bingo game during Family Fun Night.How you play1. Place 3 ABC Bingo Boards on the table.2. Place letter cards onto table, face down.3. Invite child to select one letter card.4. Ask them to look for the matching letter on theirBingo Board, the one that looks the same.5. As the child searches for the right match, youcan ask, “Is this the same?” or Is this different?”6. If the child has a “match”, he/she covers up thatspace with a Bingo circle and identifies the letterand sound, if possible.7. When the entire card is covered, the child wins!Additional versions: Cover up 3 in a row; 4 corners;Tshape;X shape; Be creative!!Paper Bag PuppetWhat you needpaper bagconstruction papermarkers or crayonsglue or glue stickscissorsWhat you do1. Decide what kind of puppet you want to make.2. Decorate the bottom of the bag to look like aface.3. Add body parts as needed.4. Put your hand up inside the bag and have fun!!’Name PuzzlesWhat you need3x5 index cards (cut in half)blank envelopesmarkers, crayons, pens, pencilsWhat you do1. Write your name on the outside of the envelope.2. Count how many letters are in your name.3. Count the same number of index card squares asletters in your name.4. Write each letter of your name on 1 index cardsquare.(Remember to use an upper-case(capital) letter for thefirst letter in your name and lower-case letters forthe other letters in your name.)5. Put the letters in order to spell your name.6. Keep the letters in the envelope when you are notusing them.7. Decorate your envelope!!Other IdeasUse the letters in your name to try to make otherwords.Use the letters in your name to help you think of otherwords that start with the same letter/sound. Writethem down.Make a Name Puzzle for your last name.Make a Name Puzzle for each member of your family.Baggie BookWhat you needSmall Ziploc-style baggies Permanent markerMagazine / catalog pictures Scissors ,StaplerConstruction paper for cover Masking tapeWhat you do1. Lay baggies on top of each other with the openingfacing up. (to make it a name book, get a bag for eachletter in your child’s name)2. Staple the baggies together across the bottom.Cover the staple line with masking tape to create abinding.3. Insert pictures or photos into baggies.4. You can write words to go with the pictures. Seal andread it!

Literacy Night Activity ChartGet each space in this grid stamped or signed as you complete each activity.Fill in the evaluation and at the end of the evening, turn in this page to receive: your freebook and certificateABC BingoPaper Bag PuppetName PuzzlesBaggie BookLiteracy Night Activity EvaluationChild’s Name: ______________________Parent’s Name: _____________________Date: ___________________Teacher:_____________________Center Location:_____________________Please circle the activities you participated in:Name Puzzle Puppets Baggie Book ABC BingoWhat did you like about these activities?What did you not like about these activities, if anything?What would help improve these activities? Suggest some ways.Thank you!Turn this in for a free book and certificate!

Family Fun Night! Sign-In SheetDate:________________________________Time:_________Location:________________CHILD’s NameFAMILY Member’s NameNumberAttending

ABC Bingo – For PlannersWhat you need3 Bingo Boards – printed on colored cardstock (1 of each color) 1 sheet of letter stickers13 3x5 index cards, cut in half Small-size baggies for alphabet letter cards2 Black Sharpies Sheet protectors for Bingo BoardsGlue sticks, ScissorsBingo circlesWhat you do1. Place 1 letter sticker in each space on the bingo boards (x,y,z in same space)leaving middle space as afree space on each board2. Write a different letter on each of 13 index cards, cut in half. ( 26 total)3. Place letter cards in small-size baggies (store in sheet protector).4. Play ABC Bingo game during Family Fun Night.How you play1. Place 3 ABC Bingo Boards on the table.2. Place letter cards onto table, face down.3. Invite child to select one letter card.4. Ask them to look for the matching letter on their Bingo Board, the one that looks the same.5. As the child searches for the right match, you can ask, “Is this the same?” or “Is this different?”6. If the child has a “match”, he/she covers up that space with a Bingo circle and identifies the letter andsound, if possible.7. When the entire card is covered, the child wins!Additional versions: Cover up 3 in a row; 4 corners; T shape; X shape; Be creative!!Tips for Facilitating the ActivityExplain why this activity is important (see talking points with families).Give out materials in parts:Give family set of three Bingo cards and sheet of letter stickers. Explain that one letter sticker shouldbe placed in each space on bingo boards except the “free” space in the middle of each board. x, y, and z areplaced together in one space.Give family the baggie for letter cards and the index cards. Have them put their name on the baggie.Demonstrate how to help a child fold and then cut the index cards in half.Instruct family members to write a different letter on each of the index cardsCoach family as they help child with cutting and communication.Put each set of letter cards in baggie as task is completed.Have each family play bingo game.Talking Points for FamiliesBingo is a great way to learn the concept of “matching”, and “same and different.”Bingo is a great way to learn letter names and review sounds that letters make.If your child needs more experience cutting, have them cut the grocery ads, newspapers, orfree advertising catalogs at grocery storeYour child can also strengthen his cutting hand by playing with clay or playdough, picking upsmall items like cotton balls with kitchen tongs or playing with clothespinsBe sure and talk to your child during Bingo play and ask questions. Invite your child to show you how toplay. Make silly mistakes and let your child correct you.Be sure you show your child how to neatly put up game so all the parts will be available for the next time.

Name Puzzles – for PlannersWhat you need3x5 index cards (cut in half)blank envelopesmarkers, crayons, pens, pencilsWhat you do1. Write your name on the outside of the envelope.2. Count how many letters are in your name.3. Count the same number of index card squares as letters in your name.4. Write each letter of your name on 1 index card square.(Remember to use an upper-case(capital) letter for the first letter in your name and lowercaseletters for the other letters in your name.)5. Put the letters in order to spell your name.6. Keep the letters in the envelope when you are not using them.7. Now, you can decorate your envelope!!Other IdeasUse the letters in your name to try to make other words.Use the letters in your name to help you think of other words that start with the sameletter/sound. Write them down.Make a Name Puzzle for your last name.Make a Name Puzzle for each member of your family!Tips for facilitating the activityAsk children to tell you the letters in their name if they can.Demonstrate for parents how to say each letter as they are writing it.You can also have children count how many letters are in their name so they will know how manyindex card squares to get. Help them to make the one-to-one connection between letters in theirname and index card squares.You can scramble the letters up and have the children unscramble to make their name.You can also talk about the sound each letter makes in the child’s name.Talking Points for ParentsThere are many ways to support children in learning the letters in their names. The mostimportant thing to remember is that it needs to be meaningful to the child.You can use the child’s name as a starting point for rhyming activities and alliteration, too.The capital letter is a hint about which letter comes first when putting the name puzzle together.There are also many ways to support the construction of one-to-one correspondence in day to daylife…Like counting out plates, napkins, cups, etc. at home

Paper Bag Puppet - for PlannersWhat you needpaper bagconstruction papermarkers or crayonsglue or gluestickscissorsimagination!What you do1. Decide what kind of puppet you want to make.2. Decorate the bottom of the bag to look like a face.3. Add body parts as needed.4. Put your hand up inside the bag and have fun!!’Tips for Facilitating the ActivityDemonstrate how to place the paper bag so that the face will be right side up.( Open end of paperbag closest to you.)Talk with children about the different body parts that belong on the face…eyes, ears, nose,mouth,You can talk about how many you need of each.You can also talk about the 5 senses and how we use each one of our body parts .Talking Points for ParentsLet parents know what the value is in playing with puppets. They can be used to extend orallanguage. They can also be used to encourage story retells with children.Children can be encouraged to put on “puppet shows” for family members.

Baggie Book – for PlannersWhat you needSmall Ziploc-style baggiesPermanent markerMagazine / catalog pictures ScissorsMasking tape Stapler Construction paper for coverWhat you do1. Lay baggies on top of each other with the opening facing up.(to make it a name book, get a bag for each letter in your child’s name)2. Staple the baggies together across the bottom.(write the child’s name on a piece of construction paper for the cover and staple with thebaggies)3. Cover the staple line with masking tape to create a binding.4. Insert pictures or photos into baggies.5. You can write words to go with the pictures.Tips in Facilitating the Activity:Demonstrate how to do the activity with family before giving them the materials.Explain the purpose of the activity – to create a book using the letters in the child’s first name.Ask parents to help child to find pictures of things that begin with each letter in child’s name.Have conversation with the child about the picture.Explain to child, “Now we are going to write the name of the picture and then we are going toglue the picture after the word.As you write the word, say the letters out loud ( c-o-w).Be sure and use lower case letters and explain to parents that we only use upper case letters forproper nouns (first letter in child’s name).Talking Points with Families:Each child’s name is very important to them. Practice writing and saying each letter. Encourageyour child to practice but do not be too rigid. It needs to be fun and not perfect. They are justlearning!In order to help your child become a reader, he/she needs to know that print has meaning. Theword means the same thing as the picture.Each word is made up of letters. It is important to say each letter as you write it.It is important to use upper and lower case print correctly. Young children need to see wordswritten correctly and hear you tell them, “we start your name with an uppercase or capital and weuse lower-case letters for the rest of your name. “ We use lower case letters for most words.Be sure and make new books and invite your child to read them to you over and over and to copythe words if they are interested.Make it fun. The joy of learning is what is important to young children, not perfection.

Materials ListBooks and certificates for familiesHandoutsRegistration area: Sign in Sheets / Pens and pencilsBaggie Booksziploc-type baggies (HEB brand sandwich bags @ .99 for 50) 12 boxes 600 bagsmasking tape (color, if possible)construction paper for covers – any color – about 50 sheets - can precut to size of baggiespicturesmagazinesmarkers (some permanent for writing on baggies) and crayonsstapler / extra staplesscissorsPaper Bag Puppetpaper bagconstruction papermarkers or crayonsglue or glue stickscissorsName Puzzles3x5 index cards (cut in half)Blank envelopesMarkers, crayons, pens, pencilsABC Bingo3 Bingo Boards - one of each color13 3x5 index cards – cut in half to make letter cardssheet protectors for Bingo Boards1 sheet of Letter stickers per gameSmall size baggies for alphabet letter cardsBlack SharpiesGlue sticksScissors

For participation inFamily Fun NightThe ________________ familyIs declared aReading Together FamilyCongratulationsFromFor making Reading Togetherpart of your family traditions!!_____________Center Director_______________Date

Welcome Families!!Plan to attend our Family Fun Night !When :Where :We are beginning a year of learning together !Come and join us as we sing, read, writeand make things together.Your family will have the chance to...‣ make books‣ make games‣ make puppetsEach family will also receive a free children’s book!Refreshments served at the end.

Getting to Know YouPlease fill this out and turn in. Thanks!!Parent’s Name __________________.Contact Info: Email_______________Phone__________________Child’s Name _________________________.1. My goals for my child in Head Start this year are…2. My child’s strengths are…(He/She is really good at…)3. It might help you to know that my child…4. I have an interesting hobby or occupation that I would like to sharewith the class. It is…

Sample Parent CalendarSU ND AY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNE SD AY THURSDAY FRI DAY S ATURDAYThere are many timesduring the day that you canplay with your child. As youplay and talk with yourchild you are teaching.Remember, you are yourchild’s first teacher. Hereare some ways to interactwith your child in dailyactivities.Playing in water2 It’s Dr. Seuss’birthday! ReadGreen Eggs andHamLearning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardor and attended towith diligence. – Abigail Adams3 Let your childplay in the waterat the sink.Practice filling &pouring intocontainers.4 Let your childplay in the sinkwith soapywater. Ask themhow it feels?5 Add items tothe sink of waterto see what floatsand what willsink.6 Add sponges tothe sink of waterand help childsqueeze thesponge to fill aplastic cup.7 Add aneggbeater to thesink of waterwith little bit ofshampoo.1 Go for a walkto look at treeslookfor buddingtrees.8 Go for a walkand look forshapes like:circles, squares,rectangles,trianglesRiding in a carTaking a walkHousehold chores9 Exercisetogether!10 While ridingin a car, name hotthings and coldthings.11 While ridingin a car, name bigthings and littlethings.12 While ridingin a car, look forsigns. How manycan your childrecognize?13 While ridingin a car, singsongs together.14 While ridingin a car, saynursery rhymestogether.15 Go for a walkand talk about allthe colors youcan find.CookingCelebrating the seasonTell your child daily howmuch you love them!16 Look in themirror and makefaces togetherhappy,sad,scared, hungry,mad17 Make apeanut buttersandwichtogether. Askyour child whatyou need to makethe sandwich.18 Put shavingcream on acookie sheet. Letyour child fingerpaintin it.Practice writinghis name!19 Withplaydough, maketiny eggs and abasket. Count theeggs.20 Make lettersof your child’sname out of playdough. Countthe letters.21 Dye eggs forEaster. Counthow many eggsyou dyed.22 Go for a walkand look for signsof Spring. Talkabout warmingweather.23 Have anEaster egg hunt.30 Read a booktogether.24 Let yourchild help washdishes.31 Think ofrhyming wordstogether.25 Let yourchild help set thetable.26 Let yourchild help dustthe furniture.27 Let yourchild help foldclothes and putthem away.28 Make a gameof picking uptoys. Sing aclean- up song.29 Go for a walkand look forletters andnumbers. Talkabout thedifference inletters &numbers.

Parent FeedbackPlease answer the following questions as specifically as possibleA. List 5 things you wanted your child to learn this year in preschool.1.2.3.4.5.B. List 5 things your child learned in preschool this year.1.2.3.4.5.C. List 5 ways we can improve the quality of our preschool.1.2.3.4.5.

Parent Survey1. Do you think a home-school connection is important? Why? Why not?2. What makes it hard for parents to:a) Attend parent – teacher conferences?b) Volunteer during the day ?c) Attend evening activities ?3. What would make it easier for you to :a) Attend parent – teacher conferences?b) Volunteer during the day ?c) Attend evening activities ?4. Which activities would you be most interested in? Please circle.Evening programs: With Children Without Children Both5. What topics are you interested in learning more about at a parent program?