Kindergarten Read at Home Program
Magog, September 23rd 2005 - In keeping with its commitment to improve literacy and
early intervention, one of the five goals of the Eastern Townships School Board’s (ETSB)
strategic plan, the ETSB is launching its “Kindergarten Read at Home Program.” This
program will open up the world of reading to our youngest students while offering
comprehensive support to both parents and teachers. The program is designed to engage
the students through fun activities with their parents!
The ETSB Kindergarten Read-at-Home Program is an adaptation of the Kilvalliq
Kindergarten Read-at-Home Program. The ETSB program contains 18 weeks of bilingual
optional activities designed to support families of kindergarten students in the
development of reading skills. This program does not replace any existing Kindergarten
programs or curricula.
Generally speaking, most children learn to read text somewhere between grade one and
grade two. Consequently, parents and even teachers may assume that reading skills are
not part of the Kindergarten program. This assumption is false. Reading is a multi-skilled
process that begins long before a child learns to recognize and decipher text and long
before they receive any formal instruction in the process. Many reading skills and
attitudes are learned at home before a child enters the school system. Holding a book
properly, turning the pages and interpreting pictures and illustrations are all examples of
early reading skills that are learned before grade one.
Learning to read is a journey that children begin before starting school. Children are
exposed to reading at home by members of their family. Brothers, sisters, parents and
grandparents are role models for younger children as they watch and learn. Family and
especially parents are the child’s most important teachers. This program was developed
to give parents some support in assisting their children on this exciting journey.
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Source and information :
John Weideman
Director of Pedagogical Services
Eastern Townships School Board
weidemanj@etsb.qc.ca
(819) 868-3106
www.etsb.qc.ca