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.
