Reading+With+Your+Child

=Reading With Your Child= Being able to read is more than just saying the words. Reading is understanding the words that are being read and comprehending the story. Please see below for some helpful hints when reading at home with your child.

Before Reading

 * Read the title and look at the cover together "What do you think the story will be about?"
 * Flip through the pages of the story and discuss together "What do you think might happen next?"
 * Praise your child for attempting to make predictions. "Great idea! I can tell you used the pictures to help you guess what might happen next!"
 * Comment on how interested you are to learn what does happen in the story. "I'm excited to see if any of our guesses were right! Let's read to find out!"

While Reading

 * Reading to child
 * Make sure the child can see the pictures easily.
 * Use plenty of expression, reading in a natural speaking voice.
 * Encourage the child to predict what might happen next as the story develops.
 * As you read, point to each word, sliding your finger along the text.
 * Reading with child
 * Begin reading the story to your child at a speed your child is comfortable with.
 * As you read, your child will begin to pick up the pattern of the story and read with you. Encourage your child to point to each word, sliding a finger from word to word.
 * When your child comes to a difficult word, ask: "Look at the picture. What word would make sense?" "Look at the beginning letter of the word. What word would make sense and begins with that sound?" "Try reading that whole sentence again. See if you can think of a word that makes sense."
 * Read by child
 * Your child may need you to introduce the pattern of the story by reading aloud initially.
 * Once your child feels comfortable reading, enjoy listening to the story being read.

After Reading

 * Talk about the story:
 * "Were there surprises?"
 * "What did you like best about the characters or happenings or ending?"
 * "Did the story remind you of any other story or of things that have happened to you?"
 * Ask the child to retell the story in his/her own words.

complements of Reading Matters [|www.readingmatters.net]