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Supporting your Year 2 child at Home

Reading

Reading with your child is vital. Research shows that it's the single most important thing you can do to help your child's education. It's best to read little and often, so try to put aside some time for it every day.

Think of ways to make reading fun - you want your child to learn how pleasurable books can be. If you're both enjoying talking about the content of a particular page, linger over it for as long as you like.
Books aren't just about reading the words on the page, they can also present new ideas and topics for you and your child to discuss.
Tips for helping your child to enjoy books:

  • Encourage your child to pretend to 'read' a book before he or she can read words

  • Visit the library as ofted as possible - take out CDs and DVDs as well as books.

  • Schedule a regular time for reading - perhaps when you get home from school or just before bed.

  • Buy dual-language books if English isn't your family's first language - you can talk about books and stories, and develop a love for them in any language.

  • Look for books on topics that you know your child is interested in - myabe dragons, insects, cookery or a certain sport

  • Make sure that children's books are easily accessible in different rooms around your house.
Literacy

Learning to write is a complex skill which children are expected to master at an early age. By introducing your child to letter sounds practising letter formation together, you can ensure they are able to write and spell simple words and phrases.
Some ideas to promote literacy skills at home.

  • Exchange Post-it® notes with your children. Put the notes on pillowcases or mirrors, or in lunch boxes, books, or any surprise location.

  • Help children assemble photo albums of family events and write captions for the photos.

  • Ask children to put their wishes and wants into writing and to suggest how they may work toward or contribute to getting what they want.

  • Help children create a family newsletter or website to share with family members near and far.

  • Suggest that your children write postcards to themselves when they are away from home. When they receive their own postcards in the mail, they will have a souvenir of their trip.

  • Make writing practical and useful by having children write grocery and task lists, reminders and phone messages, instructions for caring for pets, or directions for getting to the park.
Ask children to find a "golden line" in their reading—a sentence that especially attracts them and makes them aware of what clever or colorful writing looks like.

Other Year 2 links: