Topic 1 Parent Tips for Helping Young Readers __________________________________________
All parents hope to have children who grow into readers! Reading can take them to places only limited by their imagination and dreams. For many young readers, it takes the help of both a good teacher and a loving parent to help to bring them to the wonderful world of reading!
Parents often ask many of the same questions of their Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist. On my website, I hope to answer some of the most important questions being asked. This edition will focus on the top question most asked by parents.
If your child says, "I don't like reading" ( GASP ), it may be that we just have not found the right texts for them! You can help by doing the following things:
* Find out your child's reading level by asking their teacher. Remember, your child’s level is more than a Lexile Level. To be successful, they need to be able to comprehend the book too. Just as important as the level and ability to understand, is the motivation or interest in the book they choose.
* Lexile levels are a range in which a reader will be successful at reading the words of that level of text. It is important not to focus only on this number. It gives the teacher and parent a good place to start.
* Find out the topics your child loves and then search for texts about those topics at the library or bookstore. Ask the librarian or specialist in the children's section at the store to help you find the right texts.
* Search for the award winners both locally and nationally. These lists can be found at local libraries and websites such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
* Give them time to read at home. This doesn't mean setting a timer. It means allowing them to get lost in a book. Initially, this is done through read aloud with a parent. Later, it can be accomplished through shared reading. This is when both parent and child read the same book.
* Finally, make sure they see you reading. Books and magazines in the home show children that reading is important to you!
Happy Reading !!
Topic 2 Parent Tips for Helping Middle School Readers __________________________________________