Helping Your Student Become a Better Reader

What might be causing my child trouble?

• The text (book) is too hard.

• Model – He/she doesn’t know why reading is important.

• Fluency – It takes too long to figure out the words.

• Comprehension – He/she can’t understand what he or she is reading.

Choosing a “Just Right Book”

• Five Finger CheckIf your child does not know 5 or more words on 1 page, it is too difficult!

• Is the book interesting?

• Can your child understand what he/she is reading?

• Is your child reading fluently?

Modeling Good Reading Practices

Let your child see you reading for pleasure and for work.

Set aside a time when the whole family reads.

Turn off the T.V. and computer. Go to the library once a week. Give books as gifts for rewards,

holidays, and birthdays.

Ways to Improve Fluency

• Reread familiar books.…and again and again and again…

• Read books that are easy to read.(at independent reading level)

• Listen to books on tape/CD/mp3.• Practice sight words.• Tape your child and have them

listen to themselves read.Or record themselves on the computer using SoundRecorder (on all computers) or Audacity (free download).

Reading with your student

• Title, author, prediction• If there are pictures in the book,

take a picture/book walk.• Ask questions as you read with

your child.• Ask them about their favorite page

or part.• Have them retell the story (page,

chapter) or write a summary! (beginning, middle, end or 5-finger retell)

5 Finger Retell

Help Your Child Make Connections

• What do you already know?

• Text-to-Self

• Text-to-Text

• Text-to-World

What Can My Student Read

• Magazines• Newspaper• Graphic Novels• Series books• Recipes• Poetry• Songs

Common Terms Teachers Use

• Reading tests that teachers use: DRA, QRI, STAR, …

• WPM – words per minute

How many words your child can read in a minute.

• Reading Level – the grade level that your child is reading

• Comprehension – understanding the book• Fluency – how well they are reading the book

Useful Websites

• www.rif.org/educators/books/kids_dont_like_reading_booklist.mspx

• www.guysread.com (for boys)

• www.colorincolorado.org• www.onlinebooks.com (famous people reading books)

• www.nationalgeographic.com• www.raz-kids.com (not free)