Including parents in high school literacy efforts—particularly for Grade 8 students preparing for secondary-level coursework—plays an essential role in student success. Grade 8 marks a transition year in which students face more complex texts, heavier reading loads, and greater expectations for independent thinking. When parents are involved and informed, they can reinforce the literacy skills students need to thrive.

Parental involvement not only strengthens home–school connections but also creates consistency between how literacy is supported in class and at home. Parents who understand literacy goals can better recognize early challenges and help their children build confidence as they move into high school. For these reasons, Ms. Russell, our Literacy Facilitator, spent time with parents to review the Literacy partnership between school and home. Ms. Russell shared Ways to Engage in Conversations that Practice Literacy Skills.  

Practical Examples of How Parents Can Promote Literacy Skills at Home

• Create a daily reading routine: Encourage 15–20 minutes of personal reading, whether fiction, non-fiction, news articles, or audiobooks. Model this by reading alongside your child.

• Discuss what they’re reading in school: Ask open-ended questions like “What was the most interesting part of today’s chapter?” or “Why do you think the author chose that point of view?” to build comprehension and critical thinking.

• Support vocabulary growth: Keep a family “word wall” or digital note where new or challenging words are added and reviewed together.

• Encourage writing beyond assignments: Promote journaling, creative writing, or responding to current events. Even texting or emailing with attention to clarity and correct grammar builds communication skills.

• Co-read news or informational texts: Read short articles together and discuss main ideas, bias, and relevance—skills essential for high school coursework.

• Help with organization and study skills: Show students how to summarize notes, highlight key points, or break large assignments into smaller tasks. These are foundational literacy practices.

• Monitor digital literacy: Discuss credible sources, online research strategies, and safe information habits.

• Use everyday activities to build literacy: Cooking (reading recipes), planning trips (following instructions/maps), or comparing products online all strengthen real-world reading and reasoning.

When parents participate in literacy goals, students gain consistent reinforcement of essential skills, increased motivation, and greater confidence. Ultimately, involving Grade 8 parents creates a supportive learning environment that helps students navigate the transition to high school and succeed in more advanced literacy demands.