Family Literacy Newsletter - October 2026

Literacy in Grand Erie

Welcome to our Family Literacy Newsletter.  We want to share information about reading development, reading instruction in Grand Erie, and ways you can support your developing readers at home. 

Our board is working towards the goal of increasing the overall reading proficiency of all students, with a focus on students in grades 1-3, as early intervention is key in preventing future reading difficulties. 



A child reading

Literacy In...the car

Car Graphic

Reading comprehension depends on two important skills working together: 

  • Word Recognition: the ability to read and recognize written words accurately.
  • Language Comprehension: the ability to understand the meaning of spoken language.

When children can both read the words and understand what those words mean, they are able to make sense of what they read.

Literacy learning doesn't only happen when children are reading a book. Language, words, and opportunities for learning are all around us every day. Conversations, signs, songs, stories, and word games all help build the skills children need to become successful readers. 

Below are some simple ways you can support your child's literacy development while you're on the go in the car!


With Your Beginner Reader:

  • Look for letters in signs, license plates, and store names.
  • Point out words like stop, go, and exit.
  • Play I Spy Sounds: "I spy something that starts with /b/."
  • Listen to and sing nursery rhymes.
  • Play rhyming games.
    • Example: take turns thinking of words that rhyme with cat.
  • Talk about what you see and introduce new words.
    • Example: "That truck is enormous!", "The sky looks overcast today."
  • Ask open-ended questions and encourage your child/ren to tell stories about real or imagined events.

With Your More Advanced Reader:

  • Listen to audiobooks and/or podcasts and discuss questions you both have and new learning.
  • Discuss road signs, advertisements, and place names.
    • Example: "Where else is there a Franklin St?", "Where do you think the name of this town is from?", "Who do you think is the intended audience of that billboard ad?"
  • Use a map to plan your route. You can have you child/ren hold the map and provide directions. (Safety tip: ensure the driver knows the route in advance.)
  • Create a collaborative story: one person begins and each person adds a sentence or paragraph.

Family Literacy Resources

Literacy resources for families are available on the Grand Erie website.  Here you will find information about the skills necessary for skilled reading and activities you can do at home to support your child’s development of these skills. 

Check it out!