Tips for Reading at Home
Here are some ways you could help your child during their home reading. We hope you enjoy sharing together.☺
Ø Provide a suitable place and time: preferably 4-5 times a week for up to 10 minutes, in a quiet place, and when your child is not tired.
Ø As you listen try not to interrupt. Be patient.
Ø Talk to your child about the pictures they see in the book before they start reading. This will help them solve any unknown words they find when they are reading.
Ø When an unknown word is encountered or a mistake is made; WAIT (they may get the right word) then encourage your child to:
· go back to the beginning of the sentence
· read again and see if they can work it out
· say the first sound
· try a word that might fit
· look for parts of the word that they know
Ø Provide encouragement. Praise your child when they read well or correct their own mistakes.
Ø Try to be relaxed. Stop the session if you feel yourself becoming frustrated. Read to your child instead.
Ø Children could be asked any of the following questions when they have finished reading a book:
· Did you enjoy the book?
· Who were the characters?
· What was your favourite part?
· Was there anything about it you did not like?
· Could you think of another ending?
· Are there any words you did not know the meaning of?
· Can you retell what happened in the story?
Ø Other reading suggestions: jingle books, poetry books, nursery rhymes, magazines, comics, game instructions, recipes, newspapers, diaries, atlases, maps, road signs, shop signs, letters.
Ø Encourage your child to make use of the local and school libraries