Top Education Stories: 

• The Obama administration outlines proposed overhaul of the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. Click here to read more.
• Helene Kramer, Executive Director of RTSB and Mike Benzin, Director of Development for RTSB appear on WNY Tonight.
  

Reading Tips for Families with Young Children!

Did you know that only half of children entering Kindergarten in Buffalo are prepared for learning? We can change that and here's how:

Studies show that reading to children significantly increases their chances to succeed in school. So if you are a parent of an infant or toddler - or have young children that you care for - read out loud to them as often as possible!

The earlier you start, the better their chances will be to develop good reading skills on their own. And that's the basis for success in school.

The basic skills for reading include learning the letters for the alphabet, the sounds of letters and new words.

• Read with your child every day. Make it fun by reading in different rooms, on the front steps or the backyard. 

• What's that sound? Young children need to understand sounds in order to read words. Pointing out things like fire truck sirens, barking dogs or car horns in the neighborhood can help your child learn about different sounds.

• Sing songs. Songs can help your child learn and remember new words. Sing lullabies or sing along to the radio in the car. Have fun making up your own songs with your child.

• Talk to your child. Use everyday events like taking a bath, getting dressed or brushing teeth as a chance to talk with your child. Ask lots of questions, use short sentences, and lots of words - especially new words.

• Play a rhyming game. If you are in a car or bus, help your child look for objects outside. For example, "I see a tree. What word can you think of that rhymes with tree?" Rhyming helps your child learn sounds and words.

• Be an Alphabet Detective. Help your child find an "A" on a sign, a "B" on a license plate, and so on. Take your child shopping and find the first letter of his or her name in labels on products you are purchasing.

• Write a grocery list together. Say the items you plan to buy as you write them down. This shows your child how letters form words.

• Have your child draw a picture and tell you a story. Drawing is one of the first steps in learning to write. Telling stories helps young children develop language skills.