For Parents
A Message for Parents
Throughout the school year, you are likely to hear a lot about the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). To date, 46 states and the District of Columbia have adopted these ambitious new academic standards, which will profoundly alter the way students are taught English Language Arts and Mathematics. The standards are designed to ensure college and career readiness in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced world.
A Message for Parents en Español >
Five tips to help you support the
Common Core at home
From Patrick Daley, Senior Vice President & Publisher, Scholastic Classroom & Community Group
1.
Talk about books, especially the great ones.
The Common Core says that children need to read “books worth reading.” We all know that reading ANYTHING is great for kids, but they should be exposed to great writers and challenging content too. Lead by example!
2.
Ask your children questions about what they’re reading.
One of the key shifts with the Common Core is its requirement that students (both orally and in writing) cite evidence from the texts they’re reading to make an argument. Try asking questions that require your kids to talk about the content of the books they’re reading. For example, have them give reasons why a favorite character was heroic or clever or forgiving.
3.
Push your kids to read nonfiction.
Reading fiction is still a critical and wonderful part of learning to read, but the Common Core elevates the importance of nonfiction, or “informational text,” as the authors of the standards call it. Does your son love gross bugs? Get him a book about cockroach infestations and let him dig deep into a topic that interests him. You might have a future scientist in your house!
4.
Encourage your kids to write, write, write.
The Common Core State Standards emphasize the fundamental link between reading and writing. Writing to persuade by citing evidence is a key 21st-century skill. Encourage your children to keep a journal or blog, or write a letter or an e-mail to a favorite author.
5.
Talk math with your kids.
The Common Core requires students to learn important math “reasoning” skills in addition to learning their multiplication tables and memorizing formulas. Parents: Try talking to your kids about mathematical practices they use every day. Have them estimate time and distance, compare the value of products in a store, or calculate the tip when you’re out to dinner.
Resources For Parents
Free eBooks!
Download 5 free eBooks from Storia, Scholastic’s new interactive and educational eReading app.
Raising a Reader
Nurture a love of books and words in your child.
Integrating Reading Into Everyday Life for Reluctant Readers
Tips to build language skills in ways that hardly seem like reading.
10 Ways to Motivate Your Child to Learn
As your children are challenged with more rigorous texts, keep them feeling confident in their reading abilities.
Parent Guide to Book Genres: Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir
Inspire your child to learn about the lives of others—and dream big.
Parents’ Guide to Student Success
CCSS “roadmaps” for parents in English and Spanish
The Common Core State Standards
Parents who understand the CCSS can better help children acheive them.
The Scholastic Parents page on Facebook has a wealth of content for parents, including video, reading and learning tips, and live chats with parenting experts.
The Scholastic Parents Channel on YouTube has videos for parents on how to be the most effective learning partner for your child.
The Scholastic Pinterest boards have learning prompts for kids, booklists, recipes, craft ideas, and more.
Click Your State
You’ll see key information and updates about the local implementation of the Common Core State Standards. (MN has adopted only the ELA component. AK, NE, TX and VA have not adopted the CCSS.)
In Your State
Click your state to get key information and updates about the implementation of the CCSS.
Free Resources 
Common Core lesson plans, suggestions for writing text-based questions, videos, Common Core book lists, and more
Frequently Asked Questions
Find out about skill assessment, comprehension and fluency, nonfiction text types and more.
Books Kids Love to Read
Get young people ready for college, career, and life with these great works of nonfiction and literature.
A Scholastic literacy initiative that reinforces the practical things all families can do to ensure their children become strong readers and learners.
Read and Rise >
Just-right books at affordable prices inspire a love of reading and help students and parents find great books that align with the Common Core.
Scholastic Reading Club >
Reading with your child from an early age is one of the best ways to ensure his or her success in school and beyond.
Read Every Day.
Lead a Better Life. >
