Learning & Teaching
Reading at Home
I trust that everyone has had a great first week of learning and have begun to settle into the daily routine of school. In this week’s newsletter I will share some information about the importance of reading at home with your child and what that reading might look like at each stage of learning.
Just like putting on your school uniform and packing your lunch, reading at home is an important part of each child’s daily routine. Reading at home can take many forms including, reading to your child, reading with your child and listening to your child read.
Foundation - Children at this stage are beginner readers. It is recommended that students are read to each night, in addition to the child practising their own reading with a decodable text. When family members are reading to their child, it is recommended they select a book that is above the reading level of the child in order to expose them to a wider vocabulary of words. Children that are read to daily, are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who were never read to!
Year 1 & 2 - Children at this stage are becoming independent readers. As a child’s reading skill increases they will be able to read longer books. Children at this level should begin to read decodable texts fluently and at a pace that is similar to speaking. After listening to your child read, it is recommended that you ask your child questions about the text or to retell the text in their own words as this helps to improve reading comprehension. Children at this stage should still be read to by experienced readers as this supports the child’s vocabulary and provides a model for fluent reading.
Year 3, 4 , 5 & 6 - Children at this stage are independent readers. They are able to read a wide variety of texts independently. It is recommended that children at this stage continue to read aloud to family members each day. Family members should encourage their child to read with expression and at an appropriate pace (approximately 100 - 120 words per minute). To support your child’s reading comprehension, ask your child to retell the story in their own words. Children at this stage should continue to be read to by experienced readers as this a great way to introduce children to a wide range of books and to continue to foster a love of reading.
Tips for Reading at Home
- Create a reading routine that works for your family schedule. Children thrive with routine, read at the same time each day.
- Increase your child reading stamina. Alternate reading the pages of longer texts with your child, this way they are able to practise their reading and hear an experienced reader at the same time.
- If your child is unable to read a word, ask your child to look carefully at the letter and ‘sound out’ the word. If they are unable to sound out the word, model for your child how to sound out the word. For example “sh-o-p, the word is shop”.
- Discuss the books your child is reading at home. Ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
- Discuss the more difficult vocabulary (words) in the story. Have them tell you the meaning of different words.
- Encourage children of all ages to read aloud every day.
- Read to your child as often as possible.
- Model positive reading habits at home and talk about books with your child.
If you have any further questions in regards to reading at home or learning and teaching please contact me via email:
Rebecca Chan
Learning and Teaching Leader