I created 8 morning routine posters to inspire families to consider reading and teaching early reading skills in the morning. Personalize a morning flow or routine for your family if these examples don’t work. Busy families can try a slow morning read aloud on weekends.
You can also personalize your morning routines with a morning basket. Morning baskets or bins are accessible containers with hands-on activities your young learner can engage in independently. This is a perfect way to keep a young toddler or learner busy while getting other children, yourself, or even pets ready in the morning.
Don't forget to include at least 1-2 multi-sensory books in the basket. Try nursery rhyme books that play the songs, flap books, board books with mirrors, etc.
Advantages to read alouds + teaching reading in the morning routine:
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Children want your attention, so you also have their attention.
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Research says children learn best in the natural light of mornings.
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Reading together in the morning can be a gentle, intentional way to connect with your child and build a positive reading habit. This is especially helpful if anyone, including parents, gets cranky during bedtime read alouds.
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Parents can repeat reading instruction or topics throughout the day.
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Longer books can be read throughout the day; the morning read aloud is the cliffhanger.
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Another factor to consider is revisiting reading after a healthy breakfast.
DOWNLOAD the FREE PDF. The PDF includes 8 different morning routines. Choose the routine that best fits your needs. Laminate if possible and post somewhere low your child can see it daily. Avoid putting time stamps to a morning routine unless absolutely necessary. Print all 8 so your family has the option to choose based on the time available or preferences.
I hope these posters inspire families to read as frequently as possible even if it's not the morning routine. What additional time can your family build a reading habit? Think beyond bedtime.
Happy reading fams,
Elisabeth <3