WHEN YOUR CHILD BEGINS TO READ

Phonics is an important part of reading, however reading to understand is the most important goal of reading. Good readers monitor and correct as they read. When a child is stuck on a word, they are often told to "sound it out." Sometimes this works, but often in our crazy English language, it doesn't. Students need a variety of strategies to help them read. The following list provides some strategies besides just "sound it out." Below are some reading prompts that may help when your child "gets stuck."

READING PROMPTS

·         Give the child a five to ten second wait time to see what she/he attempts.

·         Ask, "Does that word make sense?"

·         Say, "Look at the picture(s)?"

·         Say, "Put in a word that makes sense there."

·         Ask, "What word would make sense there?"

·         Say, "Go back to the beginning and try again."

·         Say, "Go back and smooth it out."

·         Ask, "Do we say it that way?"

·         Ask, "What letter/sound does it start/end with?"

·         Say, "Skip over the word and read to the end of the sentence. Now what do you think the word might be?"

·         Tell the child the word.

Other Tips for Parents:

·         Choose or help your child choose books where he/she will feel successful.

·         Reading aloud to children improves their reading fluency. (Do it! Every day!)

·         Children have to read a lot at home and school to become capable readers.

·         Whenever possible, provide background information about the story or the topic of the reading assignment. Background knowledge or experience about a topic improves comprehension.

            Most importantly, focus on what your child can do. Reading should be fun!

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Reading:

When should I stop reading to my child?

 Never!!! Children of all ages reap the benefits of hearing a story read aloud. Read aloud to your children from birth (some studies suggest even before) through college! Children love being read to and learn so much from you as a reader. They will learn from the expression you use to make the story exciting to hear. You will find them mimicing your good reading skills in their own reading!