In my decade as an educator, I have come across many types of students and the most sucessful students read well! By the same token, I have taught and tutored many students who were turned off due to thier difficulty with reading. By the second grade, everything from Math to Science requires reading with comprehension. So what can we do to ensure our children love to read????
1. Know your child:
Let them read about what they love, however, keep it on their level. In school, we teach the "five finger rule." Have your child open the book they think they like, read a page (not the beginning of the chapter if they are in chapter books.) If they make less than five mistakes this is an appropriate book level for them. If they are struggling with it and make more than five, this will increase their frustration level and they need to " save it for later." There are great books called Bob Books for the beginning reader that most local libraries carry that focus on word patterns that are accessible for students and build their confidence. If they really want to read a specific book that they love, share it with them!
For beginners:
2. Repetition:
As they are learning how to read the most important thing is that they develop a strong sense of the letter sound relationship. In the Wilson Reading Program or Fundations program, students use a key word to remember the letter sound. They will drill it every day until they have mastered that sound. They review the entire alphabet using these key words. For example, A- apple -ah, B-bat- Buh, C-Cat-kuh and so on. They more they repeat this the faster they will master the sounds.
3. Play Games: You can also reverse it and ask them to encode and play the "what says __?" game and and turn it into many tactile games. For instance, I provide a tray of sand with shells and othery beachy stuff. You can use a TupperWare container! Ask the child "What letter says k?" Then they draw the letter and will get a point. After five points they get a sticker or something else small.
4. Magnetized letter tiles:
These are a fun way to review the sounds. You can them make words and have them sound them out. Always keep an alphabet chart they can refer to. If it has pictures, make that item the keyword for that letter.
5. Dry erase boards:
This a great tool and the kids Love it. This is an easy way to work on word families. For instance, the "-it" family. You can start by saying bit. Write it at the top of the page. Then ask the child, "What else do you know that ends in -it?" Brainstorm ideas and when they come up with a word like hit ask them, " how would you spell that?" Make them look back at the chart and the top of the page for the word family and then they can write it on their board. You can even let them draw for a small break.
6. Computer programs and websites:
While too much media can be detrimental overall, there are so many amazing websites and apps to help with reading. One of my favorites is starfall.com, their main site is free and you can pay extra for additional content. Another great site is: http://www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading/en/leadingtoreading.htm
7. Read with them:
When you place an emphasis on anything by example, you child will follow in your foot steps. My house is immersed in books for all ages and my son will pick up a book and hang out in our library without being asked. (Makes me a proud mama when I can get him off Minecraft without asking- if only it happened more!)
Older readers:
8. Turn it into a play: Assign roles, act it out! Kids love drama!!!
9. Check in with them: Have them retell whatever part they are reading. This will tell you if they are comprehending what they are reading. Instead of doing a book report, they can create comic strips or other artistic projects.
10. Help them love non-fiction: The majority of texts they will be exposed to are non-fiction. Most children love all things science!!! Expose them to museums and real life so they can relate to historical events.
