Mystery Reader Sign Up

Please email Mrs. Bastian (kbastian@fairview72.com) to receive available dates and times.  Spring dates will be added in January.  Please sign up for only one date. 

Mystery Readers

Tips & Hints

Procedure

• Check in at the main office 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time (please bring a driver's license or state id card).

• Come to the library located near the front office.

• Please bring in one of your child's favorite books or one can be provided through the library. 

• Check out through the main office.

How to pick a book

• Choose a book you like, your enthusiasm for the story will be apparent.

• Timing: choose a book that is around 15 minutes. Kindergartners and younger children  have a lower attention span so two short books might be more appropriate.

• Reach beyond their comfort zone: exposing new and complex characters and themes to children through literature expands their knowledge base and provokes interesting discussions.

• Consult award winning lists: Caldecott Medal,  (Theador Seuss) Geisel Award, Robert F. Sibert Information Book Medal

Read Aloud Strategies

Before Reading

• Activate prior knowledge: ask questions about what is known about the topics and themes that will be in the book.

• Vocabulary: explain the meaning of some of the difficult words that will be in the book.

• Predictions: ask the kids to make predictions about the book based on the title and the front illustrations.

During Reading

• Practice fluency:  read the book ahead of time to make sure that inflections are used correctly and difficult words are pronounced accurately.  

After Reading

•  Ask questions to prompt meaningful discussions. 

• Check for comprehension by asking a student to retell the story, identify the setting, characters, problem and resolution.

• Ask the readers to make personal connections tot he characters and the problem.

• Ask the readers to think about changes they would have made to improve the story.

Benefits of Reading Aloud

• Improves comprehension and vocabulary

• Increases fluency

• Builds motivation and excitement for reading

• Exposes children to a variety of writing styles and genres

• Builds and encourages good reading habits

• It's Fun!