Listening and speaking in any language is one of the most important things you do with your child. This builds on your connection while it supports their reading and writing skills.
Watch a movie or show together
- Discuss important messages in movies that you watch together. Talk about a big idea. Reinforce the idea that movies, like books, are more than just a series of events that happen to characters. Talk about a big idea or issue that you noticed and was important to you. Did you notice ideas about friendship, loyalty, perseverance, appearances versus reality, etc. Was there something that you noticed, liked or disliked about a character in the story? Why?
Critique video games
- If your children play video games, ask them to pick their Top 3 and their Bottom 3 video games. Push their thinking further by asking them to identify and explain the reasons for picking these. Video games are often based on stories or scenarios with characters. Encourage your child to talk about the story and/or the characters. What did they like or didn’t like about them and why?
Connecting and learning with Friends
- Encourage children to connect with their friends and discuss what they are reading and viewing with them. Ask them to share their thoughts and ideas, ask questions etc.
