Okay. I could write about x-rays or xylophones or maybe even Xerox machines.

But I don’t know much about any of those things, and what I do know isn’t very interesting, so you’d probably need a Xanax just to get through my post without feeling so bored or depressed you were ready to slit your wrists.

And since this blog is all about children’s literacy and writing for children anyway, I think I’ll just include some links to resources that teachers or parents can use for teaching the letter “x” to kids. Here goes:

Letter X, Lessons, Worksheets and Activities

Letter X Video from HaveFunTeaching.com

How Teach the Letter X

Letter of the Week – Letter X

After checking out these links myself, I suddenly realized something – there are many words that end with the letter “x” but not that many that begin with that letter.

Do you have any insights or information to share about the letter “x”?

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. If you’re a writer and your pen won’t budge, you need The Morning Nudge!

Ways to Make Your Home or Classroom a More Literature Environment
by Carol Fraser Hagen

The phrase “literate environment” describes a kind of home and classroom where literacy is promoted and nurtured. Literate environments are where there are displays of literacy in action – competent readers reading. Literate homes and classrooms set aside time for practicing literacy; while also providing a variety of reading choices to encourage and support literacy.

Here are several suggestions for parents and teachers who want to create literate rich environments:

Model- One of the most important things parents and teachers can do is read and show their enjoyment of reading, all the time. When adults display the pleasure reading gives them, children will naturally value and emulate it themselves.

Time - Children must practice reading every day in order to become successful readers. For homes and classrooms to be successful in creating literate rich environments, time needs to be scheduled every day.

Classroom – Teachers need to provide a variety of reading materials to encourage their students to read. Picture books, books on poetry, humorous fiction and non-fiction texts on social studies, science, and even comic books, should be available, for students to explore and read.

Home – Parents need to show an interest in their child’s literacy development. Always look over reading worksheets completed at school and praise your child for their good work. Most importantly, make a point to read aloud to your children.

Books – Parents need to fill their homes with books and other reading materials, as well as take their children to libraries and bookstores. Also, give your children books for gifts, as often as you can.

Reading is a lifelong skill everyone needs. When parents and teachers create literate rich environments, for their children and students, success at reading naturally happens.

Carol Boles is a former public school K-12 Reading Specialist and special education teacher. She has a Master’s degree in Special Reading, is certified in Special Education and has an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. For more tips to help your children or students become better readers, click here to visit Carol’s blog.