SMART Families & Parents
SMART Family Literacy's signature program is our family engagement model, which we keep informal and fun. It's so much fun that we call it a "SMART Party!" Our original and innovative SMART Parties have been connecting families with each other for over twenty years in homes, schools, gardens, and community venues, including the Spot Restaurant on Seawall Blvd. in Galveston. Giant bubbles, reading books aloud together, and hands-on educational activities in art or science are just some of the fun packed into a super hour of literacy and learning. Participants can expect to receive free books and they might win a door prize. SMART Party snacks are always the healthier fresh produce types.
SMART Tips for Early Literacy
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The brain undergoes its most rapid and fundamentally important growth in the first three years of life. SMART Family Literacy assists parents in supporting and enjoying this period of development, health, and learning that are inseparably important for a child.
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How can you help your family fall into healthy reading habits? Find out more by visiting your local library. For a free book to add to your child’s home library, join SMART Family Literacy at the Spot Restaurant, 3204 Seawall Blvd., Galveston on the last Tuesday of every month (except December) from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
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SMART Tip #1: Holiday Books and Characters
Give non-candy options, like small books and art supplies, as treats for Halloween and other fall holidays! Holiday-themed books and characters are some of the best!
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SMART Tip #2: Playful Sounds and Games
Make daily interactions with books exciting for young children. Energize the book by making animal noises and machine sound effects. Play peek-a-boo with the book.
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SMART Tip #3: The Right Fit
Find “Goldlilocks” books that match your child’s age and interest, not too long, not too short, but just right!
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SMART Tip #4: Reading Books and Beyond
Model reading as you navigate your day by reading everyday objects aloud. Read the grocery list, the gas pump, recipes, and even your own favorite book.
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SMART Tip #5: Hands-on Books
Let children hold the book and turn the pages to improve their fine motor skills. They see more of the details when they hold it.
SMART Tip #6: Vegetables and Food Facts
To encourage healthy food choices, read books about growing vegetables. Search for keywords like “sodium” and “calcium” on nutrition labels. Visit a local food garden or start your own for a healthy language-building experience.
SMART recommends these early literacy resources for parents.
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https://www.readingrockets.org/
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https://www.colorincolorado.org/
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https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/serve-and-return/
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READ ALOUD BOOKS & BEYOND
Parents are the biggest influencers in their children's lives. Let your child know that reading is important in your day. Read aloud books and many other items that are not books, including newspapers, nutrition labels, seed packets, and recipes.
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