************Techniques for Supporting Your Child's Learning***************** READ TO YOUR CHILD - Reading aloud to children is one of the most significant literacy acts an adult can provide to insure children's success in reading. It increases their vocabulary level which is a major indicator of comprehension. It supports the importance of reading as both information gaining and enjoyment based. Additionally, it provides your child with an opportunity to be with you and that in itself is rewarding. And YES, it is OK to read aloud to third graders! FACT: A child's listening comprehension level is three to four years beyond their reading level. Want to further increase their knowledge base? READ ALOUD! READ WITH YOUR CHILD - As your child is developing his or her own literacy capabilities, they will need support. Some strategies for reading with your child are: 1) Model good reading by reading aloud a small portion, followed by reading together and finally allowing your child to read it independently. 2) Sit by your child's side and allow them to hold the book. It is OK for your child to touch the words while reading. 3) When a child doesn't know a word, most adults will tell them to sound it out. This technique uses only one of the systems a child needs to be a good reader. Additional support can be provided by telling them to skip that word and go on, coming back to it at the end of the sentence. Then look at it and ask, "What would make sense here? Does that word look right, does it sound right?" PROVIDE INDEPENDENT READING TIME - Every third grader should read independently for a minimum of 15 - 20 minutes 5 - 6 evenings a week at the beginning of third grade working up to 30 minutes by the end of third grade. Provide your child with his or her own special reading lamp. This could be a good "wind down" activity at bedtime. Hopefully your only concern may be that your child does not want to put the book down. A special treat could be letting your child stay up 15 - 30 minutes past "bedtime" if he or she is reading in bed!