How to help your child succeed at school

‘Take home readers’ typically refer to books or reading materials that children bring home from school to read with their parents or guardians. These materials are meant to encourage and support a child's reading development. Reading with your children at home is an important activity that can help improve their literacy skills, build their vocabulary, and foster a love for reading. Children generally take home books that are a couple of levels below their instructional reading level - their instructional reading level being the optimal level for them to learn to read with an educational practitioner - so they are reading fluently, and developing confidence and comprehension skills. Please trust that your child’s teacher is allowing your child to select books that are appropriate, and respect that testing students’ reading ability takes time, as classrooms can be busy places.

 

Here are some tips for making the most of take home readers with your children:

• Create a Reading Routine: Establish a regular time for reading together at home. This could be before bedtime, after school, or during another quiet moment that works for your family.
• Read Age-Appropriate Material: reading materials should be suitable for your child's age and reading level. These books should be challenging but not too difficult, so your child can enjoy the reading experience.
• Encourage Independence: While it's important to read with your child, also allow them to read on their own. You can take turns reading, or they can read aloud to you or silently, depending on their age and ability.
• Discuss the Story: Engage in discussions about the book's content. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, plot, and themes to encourage critical thinking.
• Be Patient and Supportive: If your child struggles with a word or passage, provide support and encouragement rather than frustration. Help them sound out words or explain the meaning of unfamiliar terms.
• Make it Fun: Reading together should be an enjoyable experience. Use different voices for characters, act out scenes, or include props to make the story come to life.
• Visit the Library: Encourage trips to the local library to explore a wide variety of books and discover new interests.
• Set a Good Example: Show your child that you value reading by being a role model. Let them see you reading for pleasure and learning.
• Respect Their Choices: Allow your child to choose books that interest them. Whether they prefer fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, or magazines, respecting their choices can help nurture their love for reading.
• Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate reading milestones, such as finishing a book, learning new words, or making progress in their reading level.

Laura Leung

Teaching and Learning