Literacy First™ June Parent Ideas

Happy June!

This month we are going to be doing some exciting activities at school, and we want you to be a part of the fun! This month’s theme is FATHERS, SELF, AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, so your child will be hearing new stories about dads and their children, different kinds of families, and your child will learn more about him/herself. Through a variety of classroom activities, your child will learn about what kinds of jobs dads do, how children can build a strong relationship with dad and family, and why a positive self-concept is important.

You can extend the learning at home with a few simple and fun activities. Check out the PARENT IDEAS for some ways you can engage with your child at home. Make it fun! Let’s have a great month – together!

• Drawings with Dad: Take time to be creative with your child. Play a simple partner drawing game. You will need two pieces of paper. Choose a color and have your child choose a different color. Each of you should make a scribble on your paper. Then switch papers. Turn the scribble into a picture or design by adding lines and shapes. What will your drawings become? The sillier the better!

• Sports with Dad: Some dads like to play or watch sports. Play your favorite sports with your child. Boys and girls need fresh air and exercise every day. Teach children the basics of basketball, football, soccer, or baseball. Play catch or kick a ball back and forth. Have a putt-putt golf outing with your child for some special one-on-one time. Take your child fishing, boating, or swimming, too. Support your child’s efforts with words of encouragement and high-fives. What other sports or outdoor activities can you show your child?

• Dig with Dad: Some dads like to work in the garden. Give your child a shovel, gloves, and a job. Work together to pull weeds, plant seeds, or clean up the yard. Make garden play a game; talk, run, chase, and be silly while you work to keep your child engaged and interested.

• Tinker with Dad: Some dads like to tinker with tools, hardware, wood, and other materials. Invite your child to work with you while you fix or build things. Show your child how to use tools the right way. What can you design or build together?

• Special Day: Plan a special day out with each child. Choose a location, day, and time and put it on the calendar. You might go to lunch, the playground, a sporting event, the beach, or a movie. Let your child choose the place or event. Give each child a chance for some one-on-one time with dad.

More books about Dads:

The Daddy Book by Todd Parr

Dada by Jimmy Fallon

My Dad Thinks He's Funny by Katrina Germein and Tom Jellett

My Dad is a Superhero by Lily Lexington

Football with Dad by Frank Berrios and Brian Biggs

Froggy's Day with Dad by Jonathan London and Frank Remkiewicz

In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers by Folami Abiade and Dinah Johnson