Incorporate Literacy into Your Holiday Count Down

 While parents may not associate holiday preparations with building literacy skills, the season offers a variety of fun, easy and educational ways to help get your child ready for school.  Here are just a few great ideas.

1.  Letters to Santa/Holiday cards: Have your child practice writing skills by creating a wish list or letter to Santa.  You could also use this time to learn how to properly address an envelope!  You could also have young children practice writing their name by letting them help sign all those holiday cards.

2. Sing some Holiday Songs:  Many traditional songs incorporate numbers, letters and rhymes, all critical elements of early literacy! 

3. Homemade Gift Wrap: Why not turn those scribbles and drawings into something more useful.  Buy a large roll of butcher paper and get out the markers.  Use your kid creations to wrap gifts for family and friends. While you are at it, have them write the gift tags.

4. Get Cooking:  From cookies to dinners, the holidays are usually a busy time in the kitchen.  Make this an opportunity to teach your kids family traditions, how to read a recipe and work on the measuring/math skills needed to cook!

5. Share a Good Book: There are dozens of fabulous holiday books, from traditional to brand new.  Head to your local library or book store to find a new story to share.  You could also start a new tradition:  Have a book to open Christmas morning, or send a book to your children with a return address of the North Pole!