Principals Parenting News 

~ Reading Tips ~ 

Please use the following information to reinforce a few points about reading with your children. 

There are so many different elements to reading & learning to read that might not always come easy to our kids. Below are a few things that you can be doing at home with not only the readers but any books that you read. 

Firstly, reading is more then simply reading words from a page, reading is about:

- Comprehending or understanding what is being read

- Reading with fluency 

- Using strategies to decode or sound out tricky words 

- Re reading the text, for meaning or understanding 

- Making predictions about what is being read 

- Retelling what is happening

- Sparking interest, curiosity and exploration 

How can you build a reader at home? 

* Explore different types of texts Look at a variety of books, magazines, newspapers, online articles. Make good use of both your own books but also the local and school libraries. Find books that fit your child, books that are interesting! 

* Make it fun! 

Reading should not be a chore! Intentionally read with your child, use opportunities to discuss books, research together, and complete activities. Making reading fun, enjoyable and a special time develops a love of reading (once this is established great things usually follow). 

* Ask questions

Question your children about what the have read.  Asking questions such as - who are the main characters, what is happening or what is the problem, when does the story take place, where does the story take place, why is there a problem & how is the problem solved, are all types of easy questions you can ask to help your child develop a deeper understanding about what they are reading.

Please do not get caught up on your child's reading level, as you know children develop at different rates it is not helpful to compare children to their peers.