PBS has launched a new Web site called Ready to Learn that provides resources for educators, parents, and caregivers to help children between the ages of about 2 to 5 learn how to read (or get ready to learn how to read).
The site includes tips on ways to integrate reading lessons into everyday activities such as going to the grocery store and driving in the car, book recommendations based on age level and theme, as well as printable and interactive games on the computer that help teach children basic literary skills.
By encouraging parental involvement, hosting games with familiar characters from PBS television shows, and providing a variety of activities for kids to try, this Web site does everything it can to help make reading fun for new readers. Also, the resources for parents—such as the child progress tracker, which tells parents what to expect—make it easy for parents to get involved in the learning-to-read process, which is a key component in student motivation.
If you have a child who is learning how to read or preparing to learn how to read, definitely poke around and see if you can find anything helpful. And if you do, let us know.