- How long should my child read each night?
- What kinds of books should my child be reading?
- How do I know if my child is on his/her reading level?
- Are there certain kinds of books that will improve my child's reading?
- Should I be worried if my child selects a book to read over and over ?
- Are letter reversals still common in second grade?
- What can I do at home in order for my child to be successful?
- Will my child overcome every obstacle?
How long should my child read each night?
Your child should read each night for about twenty minutes. If they enjoy
reading, allow them to read as much as they would like.
What kinds of books should my child be reading?
Allow your child to choose his or her own book to read. If they are
interested in the topic, they will enjoy reading.
How do I know if my child is on his/her reading level?
There are three reading levels that you need to be familiar with.
Independent Level- is the level at which a person should be able to read
independently without assistance or difficulty. The child should be able
to respond accurately to questions that test comprehension.
This is the level that your child should be reading on for pleasure.
Instructional Level- is the level on which the student is taught the skills
of reading. The reading material may be challenging, but not too difficult
for the reader. This level will require minimal assistance during
reading.
Frustration Level- is the one at which the reader becomes frustrated.
The reading is usually too difficult for the reader to decipher, decode,
and comprehend. This level is to be avoided at home. If the child
selects a book on his/her frustration level, maybe you as a parent could
read this selection to them. Do not allow a child to select a level of
frustration book to practice reading at home.
Are there certain kinds of books that will improve my child's reading?
Yes. If your child is working on building fluency (rate of reading), and
building vocabulary, look for pattern books, predictable books, repetitive
books, and rhyming books.
Should I be worried if my child selects a book to read over and over ?
No. If your child practices reading a book over and over, they are gaining
self confidence and building their sight vocabulary at the same time.
Just encourage them to seek other books to become their favorite to
read over and over again.
Are letter reversals still common in second grade?
Yes! Hold off on labeling your child as dyslexic. Letter reversals, even
word reversals are still common at the beginning of second grade.
Letters most commonly reversed tend to be "b" , "d", "p", "g" "z".
Continue to work on handwriting at home for extra practice.
What can I do at home in order for my child to be successful?
1. Be patient!
2. Provide them with books and learning tools needed.
3. Get outside help if additional assistance is needed.
4. Test your child's vision and hearing frequently. (do not rely on school
testing)
5. Be a good role model. If they see you reading, they wil read too.
Will my child overcome every obstacle?
Not always. If your child is having difficulty learning how to read or write,
then it may be related to development. It's the old "nature verses
nurture" saying. As human beings, we all develop at our own pace.
Development is something that cannot be forced or learned. Only time
will cure this ailment. Immaturity plays a large role in development as
well. Development and maturity can interfere with the learining process.
If everything else has been tried, this may be the only source to
consider.
