By Maria Purichia, bluegrasslearning.com
Thursday, November 20th, 2014 1:00 PM CST
Reading is a fundamental life skill, yet many struggle with it on a daily basis. As the world changes and develops, we are constantly exposed to new concepts and vocabulary. It is important that we continuously enhance our knowledge and understanding of our rapidly changing world. Being a great reader will help make that happen.
Let’s get back to the basics. Reading can be fun! Unfortunately, too many people, young and old, have already developed a negative attitude toward reading. Here are a few ideas you can use at home to help foster an interest in reading, regardless of age.
- 1. Motivation – Choose topics of interest. This can be a variety of texts (magazines, signs, online games and articles, etc.). Let reading be fun and don’t force it if there is no interest. The development of interest will fuel the motivation to read.
- 2. Exposure to a variety of materials – Take a “picture walk” and talk about what is happening on each page before reading. Read wordless (picture) books.
- 3. Model Reading and talk through your own thought processes aloud; for example, “I wonder why…; Let’s see what will happen next; They must feel happy because…; The sign says we must go this way.” Identify and read signs, labels, etc. Children need to be taught how to think through scenarios and situations. Modeling this will help them in the development of their own thought processes while helping them develop into independent thinkers. Also, let your child see you reading for pleasure. Knowing that reading is of interest to you is great for them to observe and it surpasses all other reading factors.
- 4. Read Aloud – Listening comprehension and fluency are also important skills that supports reading. Reading aloud provides the opportunity to model appropriate tone and intonation.
- 5. Partner reading – Try different types of reading to practice. You might take turns reading each page, or every other line. Try reading in different voices or letting your child reread short sentences after hearing you read them. Make it a positive experience. If your child comes to a word he/she does not know, just tell them the word and go on. This is not a time to increase the stress level, but more to have a positive experience with you and reading.
- 6. Talk about what you have read – This is a relaxed conversation, not drilling questions with right or wrong answers. You might ask questions like: “What did you like? What was your favorite/least favorite part? How did the characters feel? Why do you think that?” There are no wrong answers here. This is an opportunity to develop thinking and comprehension skills, which increases language development and communication.
Hopefully this has boosted your motivation to read as well. If you have a child that is struggling with reading, give us a call at 270-925-2148 or visit our website at www.bluegrasslearning.com to learn how experienced and certified teachers can help. Happy reading!
