How to Help Your Child with Reading

Chocowinity Primary School 2014-2015

Lauren Buck & Lisa SilvaReading Recovery® Teachers & Early Literacy Specialists

“There is no skill on Earth that children want to acquire more than reading.”

~Dr. Marion Blank

2

3

The Power of Reading

QUESTION:

What percentage of ALL learning do you think

relies on the ability to read?

a)65%

b)75%

c)85%

Ways Parents Can SupportEvery Child With Reading

• Serve as a role model and let your child see you reading AND writing.

• Create a positive learning environment

with established routines.

• Read TO your child daily.

• Read WITH your child daily.

• Take the time to talk about books.

4

Now…let’s think about some questions you may ask yourself while working with your child at

home and discuss SPECIFIC ways to help in reading and

writing!

5

Is My Child a Beginning Reader?

Most often, students in K and part of 1st grade are considered “beginning readers”.

What to Look For in the Text:• Strong picture support

• Some patterned text

• Less words on a page/in a book

• Repetition of several basic sight words

• Few new vocabulary words or concepts

• More natural language vs book language

Look at the books on your table and think about the grade level expectations for your child.

6

Supporting Your Child Before Reading

Complete a Picture/Story Walk. Especially with any new book.

VIDEO

7

It seems as though my child just memorizes the books he brings home. Last night, he told me he can read it with his eyes closed. Is this okay?

1. Encourage your child to check the picture each time he/she turns the page, before reading the words. 2. Tell your child to point UNDER the words if needed (at the 1st letter). 3. In order to read the words, your child must be looking at print!

9

My child is bringing home books that are too easy. He can read books that his older sibling has. Why are we wasting time reading easy books?

1. Books that are sent home should be easy so your child builds confidence as a reader.

2. Reading easy books or known books multiple times also helps build fluency (rate of reading).

3. To avoid frustration we

recommend reading books on or

below your child’s level.

4. If a book seems too hard,

please read it to your child.

What do I say or do when my child gets stuck on a word? I want to help. Do I just give my child the

word?

1. Provide wait time if he/she gets to an unknown word.

2. Point to the picture and let your child think.

3. Prompt your child to reread.

4. After rereading, ask your child to make

the first sound of the tricky word.

5. Provide two choices of possible

words that make sense.

6. Let minor meaningful mistakes go

during the reading.

7. Tell your child unknown vocabulary/concepts. 10

Does saying “Sound it Out” work?

• This is a “go-to” strategy most of the time, however, there are other prompts that can be used to make it easier for your child.

• Can you sound out…?– Said, to, my (sight words)– Lizard, Bear, Hedgehog (concepts)– James, Harry, Sally (names)

11

Let’s see how this parent supports her child while he reads.

• VIDEO

• Think about prompting for what

makes sense, sounds right,

and looks right.

1. Children can begin to read without knowing all the letters and sounds.

2. Read books aloud to your child.

3. Discuss Letter NAME and Letter SOUND.

4. Alphabet Games (letter/picture)

5. Alphabet Websites (www.starfall.com)

6. Make an Alphabet Book and Practice!

7. Writing! This might even be

through pictures at first. Help

your child stretch unknown

words and listen for sounds. 13

My child still doesn’t know all letters and sounds. What can I do at home to help?

My child seems to know a word one day, but then forgets it the next day. Should I put all the words on cards and drill them?

1. It takes many times for a child to learn a new word (6-10+).

2. It is best to expose children to known sight words and new words through reading books.

3. Caution: Too much “flash card” practice may lead your child to believe that reading is all about calling words.

4. Limit the number of words you “flash” with the cards (5-10 at a time).

5. Have your child write them to build reciprocity! 14

How do I practice Sight Words with my child at home?

• My Pile/Your Pile (word cards)• Flash the Word and Hide It (word cards)• Uncover the Word (Left-Right Slide)• Mix & Fix (magnetic letters)• What’s Missing (whiteboard)• Write the Word (sandpaper, sand,

table, chalkboard, shave cream, air)• Spell the Word (verbal)• Punch the Word (add movement)

15

I remember a bunch of phonics rules such as: “when 2 vowels go walking, the first one does the talking.” Why isn’t this being taught more? 1. Learning how words work through phonics is

important.

2. Phonics is integrated throughout the day during classroom instruction.

3. Phonics rules are applicable about

50% of the time and there are

MANY exceptions.

4. Phonics rules make sense to

people who can already read.

This can be confusing to young

or struggling readers. 16

Shouldn’t my child learn the phonics rules and sight words first, then worry about comprehension later?

17

1. Comprehension is taught hand-in-hand with word solving since making meaning is what reading is all about!

2. Allow your child to talk about, draw or write about his/her favorite part of the story.

3. Talk with your child about story elements

(characters, setting, problem and

solution).

3. Use Response Journals

(written comprehension questions)

4. Use the Five Finger Retell.

VIDEO

Praise, Praise, Praise not just for correct responses, but for

your child’s thinking and effort!

18

Questions?

Comments?

Please enjoy dinner.

Thank you so much for coming!