Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Strategies for Parenting a Reader


Strategies for Parenting a Reader
Here are important reading strategies students can use before, during and after reading:
BEFORE Reading:
§ Predict what the book is about from the title or pictures. 
§ Set a purpose for reading.  Ex.  I am going to read this book because I want to learn more about animals.
§ Take a picture walk through the book.  Ask, What is happening in the pictures?
§ Establish a Routine: Similar to discipline, play time, and any other daily activity in a child’s life, reading should be a fun routine that engages a child each day.
DURING Reading:
§ Ask your child questions to monitor comprehension. As children learn to read, they are not only engaging in the plot of a story, but they are also learning how a book is held, how pictures align with the story and that words carry meaning.
§ If your reader is having a difficult time try these strategies:
o        Use finger to point under each word to keep track of where you are reading
o        Use beginning sounds to figure out words        
o        Use ending sounds to figure out words
o        Use pictures on the page to help figure out a word
o        Use word chunks (_at, _ack, _ight)
o        Look for a smaller word within the word
o        Read to the end of the sentence.  Sometimes the word that
makes sense pops right up!
o        Make a prediction of what is happening in the story
o        Reread the sentence or passage to increase understanding
§ While reading ask: "Does it make sense?" "Does it sound right?" "Do the letters match the sounds?" If the answers are yes, go on reading.  If not, go back and try the process again.
§ Read books over and over again so your child feels confident in reading the story by them self!
§ Most importantly, when reading with your child remain positive and encouraging. Your support and optimism plays an integral role in your student’s willingness become a lifelong reader.
AFTER Reading:
§ React to the reading by making connections, ask: “What other story is like this one?” “Have you felt the same away as a character in the story?”  “Did something similar happen to you?” “Does it help you think about something in real life not directly connected to you?”   
§ Summarize & talk about the sequence of events in the story to boost comprehension skills.