If you think home readers are just there to be read, think again
Feel like you're going through the motions when it comes to your kids' home readers? Here is how you can make reading sessions more fun for your child, and for you.
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Every parent knows the importance of levelled readers (also known as home readers) and more than likely has time set aside each week to read through these with their child/children.
But some parents may feel that they are going through the motions when sitting with their child to complete the latest levelled reader, or tasks associated with it. That is why cloud-based digital school reading program, Wushka has pulled together its top five tips for parents that are looking for guidance on how their children can get the most out of levelled readers.
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Levelled readers are very important. Image: supplied
How to help your child get the most from their home reader
1. It’s important to get your child into the right frame of mind for a successful reading session. Try to find somewhere quiet and comfortable that is away from distractions. This will not only improve your child’s concentration and the quality of their reading but will also help to develop a positive association with reading as a method of relaxation.
2. Before you start reading, ask your child to think of one question about the reading material based on the subject matter, their existing knowledge or what they can see on the front cover. You can then go back to this question once you have finished reading and try to answer it.
3. Use positive and encouraging language to support your child and avoid making comparisons to others (i.e. siblings) in terms of reading progress. If your child makes a mistake when reading, allow them to continue to the end of the sentence without interrupting them. Then, go back to the mispronounced word and ask, “What’s that word?” Be patient and allow your child time to self-correct if they have made a mistake and avoid using negative statements, such as “That’s wrong.”
4. If you are reading a story with dialogue, you could encourage your child to use different voices, or take it in turns to read the dialogue of different characters in voices. This will make your reading session more enjoyable and engaging, and your child will enjoy your participation.
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Why not try using different voices when you are reading. Image: iStock
5. Encourage reflection on reading material by asking questions that are related to the book they have just finished. Things such as the below will help your child take more away from the book while also helping you know more about what they took from the experience so you can provide feedback to their teacher if needed:
- Did you enjoy the book? Why/why not?
- Who was your favourite character?
- Who was your least favourite character?
- Did the story end how you were expecting?
- Would you have ended the story differently?
- Did you learn any new words from reading this book?
- Did you learn any new facts/information from reading this book?
- Does this story remind you of anything else you have read or seen?
- Would you like to read more books like this in the future?
Michelle Kelly is the General Manager of Education Resources – Schools & Publishing for Modern Star.
Always encourage your kids to reflect after reading. Image: iStock