Know Your Strategies:

Visualize- I picture in my head the characters, setting, sequence, or a process from the selectiion.

Make Connections- Sometimes what I read reminds me of something in my own life or something I have read before.

Ask Questions- I ask questions to set a purpose for reading or because I want to learn more about what I am reading. Then, I check to see if my questions have been answered.

Predict- I try to figure out what happened next based on what I already know; then confirm as I read more.

Summarize- I briefly put the important ideas or main events I read into my own words. If I am not able to do this, then I know to go back and reread the parts I didn't underestand or remember.

Monitor & Adjust Reading Speed- I might have to change my reading rate to understand a story or different types of text.

Monitor & Clarify- I check my own understanding as I read. When I don't understand and need to clarify I can: decode a word I do not know, use clues to understand the context, or reread.

 

For Parents:

1. Make sure your child reads for at least 30 minutes every day outside of school.

• In a quiet place
• T.V. is off
• Someone can verify that they are actually reading (not playing)

2. Allow your child to make choices about his or her reading.

• Which book or what type of source (newspaper, magazine, book, internet, recipe, etc.)
• People: to read too or to read to them

3. Encourage your child to try different and/ or new ways to read.

• Use funny voices for character's dialogue
• Act out a scene

4. Tune into what your child is reading

• You can do this easily even if you don't have time to read the book along with your child
• Make your childs stories like your daily gossip column, sports page, or soap opera
• Ask questions about the book, the same way you do about their day

5. Listen to your child reading!!!

• Take 15 minutes per week and listen to your child read
• Encourage Expression and them using voices for dialogue
• Ask questions and help them relate to what was read
• This can be done easily while sitting in traffic, preparing dinner, doing dishes, etc.
• You DON'T have to follow along in the book with your child

6. Take your child to the library or bookstore as often as possible.

• Help him/her find books to be excited about
• Get him/her a library card in his/her own name
• Introduce your child to the librarians at your local public library

7. Get your child hooked on a series or favorite author and he/she will start begging for more books.

8. Make sure your child knows how reading fits into your own life. Talk it up!

• Mail, bills, magazines, newpapers, email, letters/ cards, books, internet, recipes, etc.
• Tell them when you read and what you think abobut when you read
• Tal about reading (for fun or for work) often

9. Help your child to think more deeply about what he/she reads.

• "How would you feel if you were the character?"
• "Does this book remind you of another book?"
• "What do you think will happen next?"

10. Unplug the T.V.!! Kids will choose to read if they can't watch "stories" on television. Try it for at least a week and see what happens!