************Techniques for Supporting Your Child's Learning*****************
READ TO YOUR CHILD - Reading aloud to children is one of the most significant
literacy acts an
adult can provide to insure children's success in reading. It increases
their vocabulary level which is a major indicator of comprehension. It
supports the importance of reading as both information gaining and enjoyment
based. Additionally, it provides your child with an opportunity to be with
you and that in itself is rewarding. And YES, it is OK to read aloud to
third graders! FACT: A child's listening comprehension level is three to
four years beyond
their reading level. Want to further increase their knowledge base? READ
ALOUD!
READ WITH YOUR CHILD - As your child is developing his or her own literacy
capabilities, they will
need support. Some strategies for reading with your child are: 1) Model
good reading by reading aloud a small portion, followed by reading together
and finally allowing your child to read it independently. 2) Sit by your
child's side and allow them to hold the book. It is OK for your child to
touch the words while reading. 3) When a child doesn't know a word, most
adults will tell them to sound it out. This technique uses only one of the
systems a child needs to be a good reader. Additional support can be
provided by telling them to skip that word and go on, coming back to it at
the end of the sentence. Then look at it and ask, "What would make sense
here? Does that word look right, does it sound right?"
PROVIDE INDEPENDENT READING TIME - Every third grader should read
independently for a minimum of 15 - 20 minutes
5 - 6 evenings a week at the beginning of third grade working up to 30
minutes by the end of third grade. Provide your child with his or her own
special reading lamp. This could be a good "wind down" activity at bedtime.
Hopefully your only concern may be that your child does not want to put the
book down. A special treat could be letting your child stay up 15 - 30
minutes past "bedtime" if he or she is reading in bed!
