As an elementary classroom teacher for over 8 years, I have shared many tips and techniques with parents on how to get the most of reading at home. Not only are scholars reading, but they are showing improvements in their comprehension, fluency and willingness to read.
Over the years, I have found that when my scholars choose books in the classroom that they are interested in, they are less reluctant to read and are more willing to do so. Have your scholar take ownership of their reading, by allowing him to pick books of high interest. Visiting the public library frequently would offer a variety of books to choose from. Choosing books will become fun and no longer seen as a boring task.
When choosing books, it is important that scholars are reading a variety of genres, alternating between fiction & non-fiction. By doing so, your scholar's vocabulary will improve and they will learn how to read different genres through different lens. As students move up in grades, the content becomes harder & complex. Exposing your scholar to these different genres will ensure a smooth transition when this time come.
Before having your scholar read, have a conversation discussing what your scholar think the book will be about or what new information he will learn after reading the book. It is important for readers to do this pre-reading activity to get there minds ready, build background knowledge and lay the foundation for comprehension.
While reading, have your scholar pay attention to the illustrations which enhances comprehension and will also aid in remembering the events in the story. Encourage your scholar to ask questions while reading not only to keep engaged while reading but also to monitor when comprehension breaks down.
At the end of reading a text, have your scholar reflect on what he has read by making connections. Readers can make connections to other books read, events that has occurred in the world or self connections. This is also a great time to assess comprehension and see if your scholar really understood what he read. A great way to do this is having your scholar talk about what he just read and asking probing questions to extend your scholar's thinking.
Reading at home can be a fun time for your scholar to explore new books and gain new insights on the world around him. Reading does not have to be a struggle but an adventurous time to get lost in a book.
Happy Reading!
