Building a love of reading in your child by reading aloud at home strengthens their language, vocabulary and comprehension skills. In addition, it improves their social skills and confidence as you listen to them read. It is important to keep books in sight as much as possible. At Astor, each classroom has a dedicated reading corner, with a variety of books for all reader interests. Why not create a library at home, even if it is just a book basket with a few books. Use newspapers, comic books and magazines as children enjoy having a variety of reading materials.
Word power
Before children can read, they need to understand that words are made up of sounds. Have fun with these games:
Listen to and make rhymes (Cat and bat)
Clap syllables (hap-py)
Segment words (cat - /c/ /a/ /t/)
Make up alliteration (Silly Suzie)
The Alphabet
The alphabet phonics makes it easier to learn how to read. Teaching letter names and sounds is simple and fun! Here are some fun games to try at home:
Search for letters in a name
Play I spy….
Use play dough to make letters
Use magnetic letters to make words
Find letters and words on cereal boxes, toys etc.
How to read with a beginner reader
Encourage your child to use his/her finger to point to each word
Read a sentence and have your child repeat it
Choose books that match your child’s interests and likes
Talk about the story as you read it
Choose books that are an appropriate reading level for your child
Don’t be afraid to read the same book again. Repeated reading helps build reading fluency
Checking for understanding
Start the book by making predictions. Look at the front cover and the title and ask - What do you think will happen in the story?
Ask questions and make comments during the reading process
After reading a book, have your child tell you the events of the story in the correct order
Ask your child what was the problem in the story, if any
Ask your child about the setting and characters in the story
Encourage your child to make connections. Does this story remind you of another book you read, or a movie you have seen?