Reading at home

This is the time of year that, with pride and excitement, our Foundation students begin to bring home their own books to read (their ‘take home’ book).  It is a magical time in a child's life when they begin to realise that print carries a message that can be read, and additionally, that they can begin to read words themselves.

A few tips on making reading at home together successful and fun…

Make it routine

Decide on a place at home that will be your comfortable, ‘go-to’ reading spot. It's about finding the right time for you and your child. Whether it be just before they go to bed, or first thing in the morning. Do what works for you!

Expect the take home book to be an ‘easy’ read.

The books that come home have been especially chosen to review the reading skills your child has been working on at school.  Take home reading is designed to build confidence by practicing known words and reading about familiar topics.  Re-reading the book several times is encouraged to build fluency and notice punctuation marks.

Talking about the book is also important

Before reading, take a moment to look at the cover and title of the book.  Is this a topic your child already knows something about? Help them to make those connections by reminding them about something that happened or a place you have been that could be similar.

After reading, ask your child to tell you about their favourite page, or ask them to tell you what the book was about.  Perhaps they could make up a question to ask you about the story.

Above all else, we hope that you enjoy sharing books together with your child.  If at any time they become frustrated or they are too tired, it is absolutely fine to take turns to read a page each to enjoy the book together, or they may simply sit and listen while you read to them.

Please contact either Marnie or myself with any questions you have about take home reading.

Marnie Chapman: mchapman@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au

Tracey Toner: ttoner@scgleniris.catholic.edu.au