The Purpose
Support
Compliment
Reading at home can have a major impact on student success with reading in school. It shows students that reading can be fun, and encourages a love for life-long reading. The extra practice that students get reading at home can help to jump-start them in the classroom.
When an error is made, wait to give your student a chance to work on it independently. If it becomes clear that your student is going to move on, try prompting them with: "try this word again", or "what is this word?"
Don't be afraid to read aloud to your student to model good pacing and expression!
Reading should be fun! Focus on what your student is doing well. If they tackle a really tough word, or self-correct without prompting give out praise to encourage them to keep going. Remember - be specific.
Try:
"I loved when you ___"
"Nice job with ____"
Prompting Questions
Before or During Reading
• What do you think this book will be about? What makes
you think that?
• What has happened so far? Can you summarize it in a few sentences?
• What is confusing or surprising you right now?
• What questions do you have as you read?
• What do you think will happen next? Why?
Thinking about the Story
• Who is your favorite character so far? Why?
• Is there a character you don’t like or agree with? Explain.
• What is the biggest problem in the story right now?
• How are the characters changing or growing?
• What is an important moment in the book so far?
Making Connections
• Does this story remind you of anything in your own life?
• Does it remind you of another book, movie, or show?
• How would you feel if you were in the character’s situation?
• What would you do differently than the character?
Digging Deeper
• What is the message or lesson of the story so far?
• Why do you think the author wrote this book?
• What details or clues are important to the story?
• How does the setting (time/place) affect what is happening?
After Finishing a Book
• What was your favorite part? Why?
• Did the ending surprise you? Explain.
• Would you recommend this book? Why or why not?
• If you could change one part, what would it be?
• What did you learn from this book?
Think Big
• Which genre do you think this book fits into? Why?
• How would the story change if it took place today?
• What is one theme (big idea) you noticed?
• If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?