Reading at Home
Tips for Reading at Home
Independent reading books should be books that your child can read alone own with 95-100% accuracy. This means that they can read the words and comprehend what they are reading.
Help your child vary the types of reading they do:
Book Talks at Home
Talking about books and reading is an important part of your child's learning. Here are some questions that may help you start the conversation at home. The reading strategy that you are reinforcing is noted next to each question.
Tips for Reading at Home
Independent reading books should be books that your child can read alone own with 95-100% accuracy. This means that they can read the words and comprehend what they are reading.
Help your child vary the types of reading they do:
- Read several books around one topic of interest
- Read several books written by the same author
- Read several books in a series
- Read several books in one particular genre (mystery, fantasy, memoir, historical fiction, biography)
- Limit the amount of screen time (TV, Computer, Video games)
- Purchase e-books to read on the computer or an e-reader such as kindle, nook, ipad, iphone to allow greater access to tools such as increased font size, dictionary and audio
- Provide a routine, such as a special comfy reading spot and a healthy snack for reading time
- Let books travel between home and school
- Get books that support their interests - topics such as sports, horses, dance etc.
- Read to your child from a book, magazine, newspaper, or from the internet at least three times a week. Then discuss the article together
- At times, you can take turns sharing the reading and then talk about what you think might happen or questions you have. These discussions build your child's reading comprehension and oral language skills.
Book Talks at Home
Talking about books and reading is an important part of your child's learning. Here are some questions that may help you start the conversation at home. The reading strategy that you are reinforcing is noted next to each question.
- Why did you choose this book (Developing identity as a reader)
- What do you think will happen next? Can you show me the part of the book that makes you think that? (Predicting, Inferring)
- Does this book remind you of anything that has ever happened to you? Another book you have read? (Making connections)
- What have you been wondering as you read this? (Asking questions)
- Were there any word or phrases in the reading that you really like? (Monitoring for meaning) Can you take me to that place in the book and show me? (Developing oral language and appreciation of literary style)
- Were there any places in the book that had you confused? Can you show me where that is in the book? What did you do to help yourself understand?(Monitoring for meaning)
- Is there a part in the book where you got a strong image in your mind? Can you take me there and read that part to me (Making sensory images)
- What has been your favorite part of the book so far? Why?(Monitoring for meaning)
- Would you like to read another book by the same author? Why or why not? (Identity as a reader)
- Can you think of someone else you know that might like this book? Why? (Identity as a reader)
- What was the theme of this book? What was the author's message? (Synthesizing)
- What are you planning to read next? How did you decide? (Identity as a reader)
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