Choosing Just Right books
* Select books that appeal to your child's interest level.
* Use the five finger test to help your child select books appropriate for his/her reading level. Encourage your child to choose a book that looks interesting. Open it to any page and read. Each time your child comes to an unknown word, a finger is raised. Five unknown words on a page indicate that the book is probably too difficult for independent reading. Save the book to use at a later time or include it as a read aloud selection.
* Read books aloud to your child on a regular basis. Don't overlook chapter books!
* Incorporate progress charts to record the number of books your child reads. Be sure and record the titles of books read on your child's reading log. We also participate in Accelerated Reader (AR). Repetitive reading of a book will ensure a good score on that book test.
* Provide opportunities for shared reading. In a shared reading, you take turns with your child reading aloud.
* Invite your child to read a favorite book to a younger sibling.
* Use repeated readings with your child. Allow them to practice the story as many times as needed for the development of fluency with oral reading.
* Record your child reading a favorite selection. Mail the tape (or attach a recording in an email ) to a distant relative or friend. The recorded story could also become a wonderful addition to a childhood memory box.
* Use echo reading. Read a short passage from a favorite selection and ask your child to reread it matching your fluency, accuracy and expression.
* Read paragraphs alternately with your child. Provide guide questions for the paragraphs read aloud. Allow your child to ask questions also.
* Help your child summarize a story using these five questions:
Who or what is the story about?
When or where does the story take place?
What happens first?
What
happens next?
How does the story end?
* Invite your child to draw a picture illustrating a favorite scene or character form a story. Encourage your child to write a descriptive paragraph about it. Ask your child to read it to you.
* Invite your child to recommend three favorite books for you to enjoy!
* Use the five finger test to help your child select books appropriate for his/her reading level. Encourage your child to choose a book that looks interesting. Open it to any page and read. Each time your child comes to an unknown word, a finger is raised. Five unknown words on a page indicate that the book is probably too difficult for independent reading. Save the book to use at a later time or include it as a read aloud selection.
* Read books aloud to your child on a regular basis. Don't overlook chapter books!
* Incorporate progress charts to record the number of books your child reads. Be sure and record the titles of books read on your child's reading log. We also participate in Accelerated Reader (AR). Repetitive reading of a book will ensure a good score on that book test.
* Provide opportunities for shared reading. In a shared reading, you take turns with your child reading aloud.
* Invite your child to read a favorite book to a younger sibling.
* Use repeated readings with your child. Allow them to practice the story as many times as needed for the development of fluency with oral reading.
* Record your child reading a favorite selection. Mail the tape (or attach a recording in an email ) to a distant relative or friend. The recorded story could also become a wonderful addition to a childhood memory box.
* Use echo reading. Read a short passage from a favorite selection and ask your child to reread it matching your fluency, accuracy and expression.
* Read paragraphs alternately with your child. Provide guide questions for the paragraphs read aloud. Allow your child to ask questions also.
* Help your child summarize a story using these five questions:
Who or what is the story about?
When or where does the story take place?
What happens first?
What
happens next?
How does the story end?
* Invite your child to draw a picture illustrating a favorite scene or character form a story. Encourage your child to write a descriptive paragraph about it. Ask your child to read it to you.
* Invite your child to recommend three favorite books for you to enjoy!