Tag: home-based instruction

Summer Reading Tips for Families

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

Summer days offer time to focus on play, creativity, and family fun. Reading can also be fun! If summer days include time for reading, it helps children keep the skills they worked on during the school year. PAVE has some tips for families to keep kids interested in reading, while still having fun!

A Brief Overview

  • Reading during summer helps prevent the “summer slide.”
  • Everyone can enjoy reading when they have the right tools, no matter how they learn.
  • Learning Heroes helps families find out their child’s reading level. This can help when asking teachers or librarians for book ideas.
  • Any kind of book that gets kids excited about reading is great—like graphic novels, audiobooks, online read-alouds, or e-books.
  • Multisensory (using pictures, sounds, movement) and interactive tools (like websites and apps) can make reading more fun and interesting.
  • Help kids understand what they read by asking questions, guessing what might happen next, and talking about the story together.
  • Friendly reading competitions can motivate kids. Libraries, bookstores, and even some restaurants like Chuck E. Cheese offer summer reading rewards.

Introduction

Summer is a great time for kids to relax, explore new interests, and enjoy a break from the school routine. But it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep learning in fun and meaningful ways—especially when it comes to reading. Without regular practice, children can lose some of the progress they made during the school year, a challenge often called the “summer slide.” Including reading in summer routines helps kids hold on to important skills like vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. With a little planning, families can support their child’s learning while still making time for play, creativity, and family fun. 

Reading is for everyone! No matter a child’s learning style or ability, there are ways to make reading accessible and enjoyable. For children with learning disabilities, vision challenges, or physical conditions like cerebral palsy, there are tools and resources that can help. One example is Bookshare, a free service that provides e-books in alternative formats such as audiobooks, braille, large print, and more. These options allow all children to experience the joy of reading and continue building their skills in ways that work best for them.

Understand Your Child’s Reading Level

Understanding your child’s reading level and the typical milestones for their age can help you choose the right books and activities to support their growth. Reading milestones—like recognizing letters, sounding out words, or understanding story structure—give helpful clues about what your child is ready to learn next. If possible, ask your child’s teacher for information about their current reading level before summer break. This can help you use any reading guides from the school or library more effectively.

You can also use tools like the Learning Heroes ‘Readiness Check’ to get a quick snapshot of your child’s reading skills. Knowing what your child can do—and what they’re still working on—makes it easier to find books that are just right: not too easy, not too hard, and still fun to read. Matching reading materials to your child’s level helps build confidence and keeps them moving forward.

Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) offers helpful guidance for teachers and families through its Early Literacy Pathways booklet, which includes a chart of developmental milestones linked to reading. Understood.org also provides a helpful guide called Reading skills at different ages, which outlines what reading progress typically looks like from early childhood through middle school.

Follow Your Child’s Lead

Ask a librarian to show you where to find books in your child’s general reading level, then turn your child loose to explore. Children will often gravitate to books that look interesting and accessible.

Don’t worry if the child wants to explore a book that seems too easy or too hard. Keep in mind that the point is to keep the child interested in reading. Sometimes children need something easy to keep it fun, and sometimes the subject of a harder book makes it more fascinating. 

Some children choose comic books or books with diagrams, which are rarely included on teacher lists but can keep kids going to the library. Consider whether guilt-free reading options might reduce battles and keep eyes engaged on the page. Any format that captures a child’s imagination and makes them enjoy reading is valuable. Consider graphic novels, audio books, read aloud online videos, or e-readers in addition to traditional books.

Pull Words from the Page

Some kids enjoy reading more when it’s hands-on or uses more than just words. Adding pictures, sounds, movement, or even smells and tastes can make reading easier and more fun. Multisensory reading activities help children connect with stories in meaningful ways,

The infographic below contains screen-free multisensory ideas. Try these ideas:

Download the Multisensory Activities Infographic in:
English | Chinese (Simplified) 中文 (Zhōngwén) | Korean 한국어 (Hangugeo) | Russian Русский (Russkiy) | Somali Soomaali | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Vietnamese Tiếng Việt

Encourage Reading Comprehension Skills

Building strong reading comprehension skills helps children understand, remember, and enjoy what they read. It’s not just about recognizing words—it’s about making meaning from the text. These skills help kids follow the story, understand characters’ actions, and learn new ideas and vocabulary. They also allow children to connect what they read to their own lives or other books, which deepens their understanding. When kids ask questions and think about the story in different ways, they grow into more confident and capable readers. Encouraging curiosity, discussion, and creativity during reading time can make a big difference in how well children engage with books.

Some ideas to support reading comprehension at home are:

  • Ask open-ended questions during and after reading to spark thinking and conversation.
  • Make predictions about what might happen next in the story.
  • Connect to personal experiences or other books to help kids relate to the story and understand it better.
  • Use visuals like drawings, story maps, or graphic organizers to break down key ideas.
  • Reread favorite books to reinforce understanding and notice new details.
  • Discuss new vocabulary and use it in different contexts to build word knowledge.
  • Summarize together—ask your child to retell the story in their own words.

Use Interactive Tools to Boost Literacy

Another great way to support comprehension is by using interactive tools that bring stories to life. Digital reading platforms and apps often include features like audio narration, animations, and games that help kids stay focused and understand what they’re reading. Many of them also offer books at different levels, so kids can read at their own pace while still being challenged. Below are some free interactive reading platforms that make reading both fun and educational:

  • Storyline Online: Celebrities read books aloud with animations
  • Unite for Literacy: Digital picture books with narration in multiple languages
  • PBS Kids Reading Games: Interactive games and stories with PBS characters
  • Starfall: Phonics and reading activities for Pre-K to Grade 2
  • International Children’s Digital Library (ICDL): Books from around the world in many languages
  • Oxford Owl: Free eBooks and parent resources for ages 3–11
  • ReadWorks: Reading passages with comprehension questions and audio support
  • CommonLit: Reading lessons for Grades 3–12 with accessibility tools

Ask the teacher or school district what they offer over summer. Many schools partner with local organizations or offer school-supported access to digital learning applications, such as:

From May 9th through September 12th, kids can explore the Scholastic Summer Challenge: Home Base, a free mobile phone app full of stories, games, and favorite book characters. Home Base is moderated 24/7 to keep it safe and welcoming for all readers. Kids can attend virtual author events, play book-themed games, write stories and comics, and discover new books to enjoy.

Many Washington state public libraries offer free access to digital reading platforms like Libby and Overdrive, where families can check out audiobooks and eBooks with a library card. For younger children, ask your local librarian about themed kits—these are specially curated for preschoolers and include books and toys centered around fun topics like counting, transportation, farms, colors, and seasons. These kits make reading interactive and engaging for little learners.

Make Reading Part of Everyday Activities

Children learn reading habits from their family, and when adults show they love to read, children will often model that behavior.

Read during everyday activities. Notice and read signs and billboards while you travel around town. Ask children to read the recipe while they help prepare a meal. They can help read a text message, an email, or a letter that came in the mail. Turn on the television’s closed caption feature, so a favorite show includes the words to read and follow along.

Everyone Wins with Playful Reading Rivalry

Encouraging friendly competition is a great way to keep kids motivated to read over the summer. Turning reading into a fun challenge—like participating in a read-a-thon or a family reading contest—can inspire children to pick up more books and stay engaged. Whether it’s tracking the number of books read, minutes spent reading, or completing themed reading challenges, a little competition can go a long way. Offering small rewards, celebrating milestones, or creating a shared reading chart can make the experience exciting and rewarding for everyone involved.

Washington families can take advantage of a variety of summer reading programs that offer fun incentives to keep kids motivated. Many public libraries across Washington participate in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), which encourages kids to keep reading all summer long. Through this statewide initiative, children can join reading challenges at their local library and earn prizes for reaching reading goals—such as reading for a certain number of days or completing themed activities. Libraries often offer badges, small rewards, and special events to celebrate progress and keep kids motivated.

Barnes & Noble offers a free (B & N) Summer Reading Program for children in grades one through grades 6. Read a total of eight books, write the title of each book and what your child like best about the book on their journal. Take the completed journal to Barnes and Noble to get a free book from the booklist for their grade.  Visit the store to ask for a journal or print out the journal at home, to track summer reading. Similarly, Books-A-Million offers a fun reward for summer readers. Kids who read a book from the Summer Reading Adventure list and complete a printable reading log can earn a themed backpack. 

Even Chuck E. Cheese joins in with a Reading Rewards Calendar, available for download in English and Spanish, that earns kids free play points. When kids meet their reading goals, they can bring the calendar to a Chuck E. Cheese location and receive 10 free bonus Play Points through the Page Turning Pro Award. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a brand-new chapter book, this reward celebrates their effort and helps make reading feel like a win. These and other downloadable resources are available on Chuck E. Cheese’s Parent Resource Center webpage.

Additional Summer Reading Resources

Washington State Library has free access to everyone a Washington State Library Digital Inclusion Resource Collection. The Resource Collection contains links to Goodwill job skill training, LinkedIn Learning, and other learning opportunities. LinkedIn Learning offers short classes in photography and other personal interests in addition to business classes. There are thousands to choose from based on personal interest and the classes are all free.

Search locally online for “summer reading [your city]” or “summer reading program near me” because many local or state-specific businesses and restaurants host summer reading programs.

Final Thoughts

Summer is a season full of possibilities—and reading can be one of the most rewarding adventures of all. Whether your child is flipping through picture books, listening to audiobooks, or diving into a favorite series, every page helps build skills, spark imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. With so many accessible tools, community programs, and creative ways to make reading fun, families can turn summer into a time of growth and discovery. So grab a book, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the journey—because every story is a step forward.

Happy reading this summer and always!

Learn More

Beyond School Walls: A Guide to Homeschooling in Washington State 

Posted on by Nicol Walsh

Homeschooling is a popular and flexible educational option for many families. “Home-based instruction” (HBI), as it’s referred to in Washington State law, must meet specific required subjects and instructional hours (or school days) annually. If you’re considering homeschooling, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and steps involved, including the qualifications that make a parent or guardian eligible to provide home-based instruction. Homeschooled students can access public school resources like extracurricular activities, part-time classes, and even special education services. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a successful and enriching homeschooling experience for your child.

A Brief Overview

  • Homeschooling or home education programs are called “home-based instruction (HBI)” in Washington state.
  • A parent or guardian must meet one of four qualifying criteria to homeschool, or register through an approved private school extension program.
  • Homeschooling must cover 11 required subjects and at least 1,000 instructional hours annually (or 180 school days), but Washington law (RCW 28A.200.020) allows for flexibility in teaching methods and curriculum selection, emphasizing a personalized approach.
  • Beginning on their eighth birthday, your child must be enrolled in a school or home-based instruction, in accordance with Washington’s compulsory attendance law (RCW 28A.225.010).
  • If your student was enrolled in school prior to homeschooling and they are 8 years of age or older, they must be withdrawn by written and signed statement, and you must file a Declaration of Intent with your local public school district. The Declaration of Intent must be filed by September 15th annually, or within two weeks of the beginning of the public school year.
  • Homeschooled children must complete yearly assessments, either through standardized testing or an evaluation by a certificated educator. Parents and guardians must keep the results in their homeschooling files as a permanent record.
  • Families can request a special education evaluation from the public school district regardless of whether their child is enrolled in public school. If the child is eligible, the district must provide ancillary services unless the family declines them (RCW 28A.150.350).
  • Homeschooled students can participate in public school resources, including part-time enrollment in virtual or in-person classes, extracurricular activities, and sports.
  • PAVE provides a downloadable Annual Checklist for Home-Based Instruction to help families maintain compliance with Washington’s homeschool statutes.

Introduction

Whether you are looking for an alternative to public school or continuing a home education program you began before moving from out of state, there are some things you need to know before homeschooling your student in Washington State. Homeschooling, referred to as “home-based instruction (HBI)” in the state statutes, comes with specific guidelines and requirements.

To homeschool, a parent or guardian must:

  1. Meet the qualifications for homeschooling under state law (RCW 28A.225.010(4))
  2. Provide 180 school days or 1,000 instructional hours annually in the 11 required subjects
  3. Formally withdraw the student from public school
  4. Notify the school district of annually with a Declaration of Intent
  5. Have the student complete an annual test or assessment
  6. Maintain homeschool records
Download the Annual Checklist for Home Based Instruction

What qualifications must a parent or guardian meet to homeschool?

A parent or guardian has to meet one of the following qualifications to homeschool their child:

  1. Hire a certified teacher to supervise the instruction.
  2. Complete 45 college quarter credits or the equivalent in semester credits.
  3. Complete a course in home-based education, sometimes referred to as a parent qualifying course, at a postsecondary or vocational-technical institute.
  4. Gain approval from the superintendent as “sufficiently qualified to provide home-based instruction.” Those who have homeschooled in another state and move into Washington may be more successful with this by demonstrating a documented history of homeschooling.

If you do not meet these qualifications, you may homeschool through a private school extension program. Locate an approved private school that allows the homeschooling option and contact the school directly.

What do homeschool students learn?

Washington law mandates that homeschooled children receive at least 1,000 instructional hours annually (or 180 school days), similar to the public school system. There are 11 required subjects, although parents do not have to teach every subject daily, weekly, or even yearly. Some subjects, like social studies, are for younger grades, while others, like history, are for older grades. The homeschool curriculum must include the following subjects:

  • Occupational education
  • Science
  • Math
  • Language
  • Social studies
  • History
  • Health
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Spelling
  • Art and music appreciation

You have full control over your homeschooling curriculum, allowing you to tailor the education to your child’s needs and interests. You are responsible for decisions related to educational philosophy, selection of books, teaching materials, curriculum, and methods of instruction (RCW 28A.200.020).

Washington law acknowledges that “home-based instruction is less structured and more experiential than the instruction normally provided in a classroom setting.” As a result, the nature and quantity of instructional and educational activities are “construed liberally”. This flexibility gives you the freedom to create a personalized educational experience. (RCW 28A.225.010(5))

When and how can I withdraw my student from public school?

Children living in Washington must be enrolled in a school or home-based instruction starting on their eighth birthday. The law requires compulsory attendance from age eight until eighteen (RCW 28A.225.010). Any educational programs your child participates in before age eight are not subject to state requirements for home-based instruction.

If your child is enrolled in a public or private school and you decide to homeschool, you must first formally withdraw your student. This process involves submitting a withdrawal form provided by the school or a written statement including the student’s name, school name, date of withdrawal, your signature, and the date of signing.

If your child is 8 years of age or older, notify the school district of your intent to homeschool on the same day that you withdraw them from public school, even if they have not yet begun classes or an educational program at the school.

How do I notify the school district that I am homeschooling my child?

For every school year that your child is homeschooled, you must file a written statement, called a Declaration of Intent, with the district superintendent. The address of the superintendent is usually the district office, which you can find on the school’s website or by calling your local school. You may retain a district-stamped copy of the Declaration of Intent by including a second copy and a self-addressed envelope with prepaid postage in your mailer. The deadline to file is September 15th or within two weeks of the beginning of the public school year.

A Declaration of Intent is not required for children who begin school before age 8. For example, a 5-year-old who has started kindergarten may be withdrawn for home-based instruction. The child started going to school before compulsory attendance applied. As a result, the parent is not required to file a Declaration of Intent. If you intend to start your student’s educational career in homeschool, submit your first Declaration of Intent when your child turns 8 years old and compulsory education begins.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has provided a Sample Declaration of Intent that includes all of the required information: the child’s name, age, address, and parent’s name. This documents that the parent is complying with compulsory education requirements, and the student is receiving an education. The Declaration of Intent must also specify whether a certified teacher will supervise the instruction.

What are my options to complete the required annual assessments?

There are two options for the required annual assessments:

  1. Standardized Test: Administered annually by a qualified individual approved by the test publisher. The test must be a standardized academic achievement test recognized by Washington State Board of Education (SBE). For a list of examples of tests, see the SBE Home Instruction FAQs page.
  2. Annual Assessment: Conducted by a certificated person currently working in the field of education. The evaluation must be written. Washington law does not provide as much detail about the criteria for evaluations, but it should include “statements and documents that reflect the child’s progress, or lack thereof” (OSPI).

The purpose of the annual test or evaluation is to provide an external metric to measure a student’s progress. The results are for the parent’s use only, unless the child is later enrolled at a public or private school. Parents can choose either option each year based on what works best for their child. Keep the test results in your permanent homeschool record.

Homeschooled students may take part in standardized testing at the public school. The testing dates for the year are usually available at the school office by late September and parents can call the assessment coordinator at the school district to register their student for these tests. Be sure to request a copy of the test scores for your homeschooling file during registration for the standardized test.

If a homeschooled student performs poorly on a test or assessment and the results indicate that they are “not making reasonable progress consistent with his or her age or stage of development,” the parent or guardian is expected to “make a good faith effort to remedy any deficiency”. (RCW28A.200.010(1)(c))

What records do homeschooled students have?

Maintaining good records is an essential part of homeschooling in Washington state, serving as proof of education and compliance with state laws. While the law does not specify the exact form records should take, there are several types of documentation that are meaningful for homeschooled students:

  • Attendance records tracking the 180 school days or 1,000 instructional hours required
  • Curriculum information documenting the textbooks and workbooks used
  • Student work samples and portfolios demonstrating application of what they’ve learned
  • Communication with school officials, including the annual Declaration of Intent and proof of mailing, such as the Certified Mail-Return Receipt
  • Test results, such as annual standardized tests and assessments
  • Immunization records

These records can be requested by school administrators if your child later enrolls in a traditional school setting. You should permanently keep proof of compliance with home education laws, including the Declaration of Intent and results of the annual assessments. Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) recommends keeping all records from your student’s high school years because they may be requested as proof of education by a post-secondary education program, upon joining the military, or as part of an employment-related background check.

Does the public school have to provide special education and related services to homeschooled students?

Families have the right to request an evaluation for special education from the public-school district regardless of whether a child attends public school. If the child is found eligible, the local district is responsible for providing services unless the family does not want them. In some cases, families arrange to have a child attend private or home-based school but receive special-education services through the public school. These special education services are known as “ancillary services” and they are defined in Washington Administrative Code (WAC) as “any cocurricular service or activity, any health care service or activity, and any other services or activities, except ‘courses,’ for or in which preschool through twelfth grade students are enrolled by a public school” (WAC 392-134-005).

Ancillary services include but are not limited to:

  • Therapies, such as counseling, speech and hearing therapy
  • Counseling and health services
  • Testing and assessments
  • Supplementary or remedial instruction
  • Tutorial services, which may include home or hospital instruction
  • Sports activities

According to The Pink Book: Washington State Laws Regulating Home-Based Instruction, available on OSPI’s Home-Based Instruction page, the definition of “course” specifies that a service or activity meets all of the requirements of an ancillary service but is instructional in nature.

Can homeschooled students take part in public school classes or activities?

Students homeschooled in Washington have access to public school resources, including standardized testing, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs. Families can enroll their children as part-time students to access specific classes or services that complement their home-based instruction (RCW 28A.150.350(d)). Homeschooled students can attend virtual and online public school programs on a part-time basis without losing their homeschool status.

Access to extracurricular activities includes participation in sports and other interscholastic competitions through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Homeschooled students are considered “regular members” as long as they have met the State’s home-based instruction requirements, and –

  • Annually file a WIAA Rule 18.6.3 form with the principal’s office where the student is enrolled part-time. This form is available on the WIAA website, on the Student Eligibility Center page in multiple languages.
  • Do not receive assistance from the school district, and the school district does not receive funding for the student.
  • Meet both WIAA and the local school district eligibility requirements.
  • Follow transfer rules if they change schools after registering as a homeschool student.
  • Provide acceptable documentation of any interscholastic eligibility standards required of all other student participants.
  • Comply with WIAA and local school district regulations during participation.
  • Adhere to the same team responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance as other team members.
  • Participate as a member of the public school in the service area where they reside.

Final Thoughts

Homeschooling in Washington State provides families with a flexible and personalized approach to education while adhering to the state’s legal requirements. By understanding and meeting the necessary qualifications, maintaining proper records, and fulfilling annual assessment obligations, parents and guardians can ensure their child’s education remains compliant and effective. The wide array of resources, from specialized classes to extracurricular activities, further supports a well-rounded learning experience. Whether you are new to homeschooling or continuing from another state, Washington’s supportive framework allows for a rich and adaptable educational journey tailored to each child’s unique needs.