“The only way to improve reading skills is to read.”
-Nancy Collins
Studies show that in order to improve reading skills, children need to practice their reading for 60 minutes each day. The 60 minutes can come in small 15-20 minute blocks or in one large time frame. Finding time for reading practice can be difficult, but it is one of the most important steps in improving a student’s reading ability.
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.”
READING PROMPTS
- Give the child a five to ten second wait time to see what s/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. Many adults enjoy hearing others read aloud whether it is a passage from a novel, a poem or an excerpt from a newspaper or magazine article.
Is it OK for my child to read the same book/novel again?
Yes, just as adults sometimes enjoy hearing a good story again, so do children. Let your child have fun reading.
Should I force my child to finish a book before starting another?
Reading should be enjoyable. Don’t force him/her to read a book that s/he doesn’t enjoy. Your child’s teacher or librarian might be able to recommend some popular titles.
How can I get my child interested in reading?
This is a frequently asked question. Try a magazine subscription geared toward your child’s age group. Try and find several books related to a topic in which your child shows interest. Don’t force the books on the child, but make them available. Model reading and share your enthusiasm for a good book. Create an environment rich in literature.
How can I get my child to read more and spend less time watching TV/computer.
Television is fierce competition for children’s free time. Be active in your child’s TV viewing. Control the quantity and quality of the programs your child watches. Establish a daily reading time for everyone in the house. Turn off the TV.
Link : http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/reading_tips.html
