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Reading is an interactive process that engages the reader with the text. We read for different purposes depending on the text we are reading. It is important to expose children to a variety of genres including fiction stories, non-fiction text, and poetry. Successful readers use strategies to guide their understanding of a story. Discussion also supports reading skills. The following newsletter provides information on ways to engage your child in reading.

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Super Strategies

Question: Ask questions that you wonder about as you read

“What? When? Why? I wonder if…”

Visualize: Picture in your mind what you are reading. What details do you see?

“I picture…”

Connect: As you read, ask yourself what it reminds you of. It can be another book, a personal experience, or a situation in the world.

“This reminds me of…”

Infer: What do you know from the clues in the story?

“I think ______because…”

Predict: Stop and think about what might happen next using the clues in the story.

“I predict ______because…”

Summarize: Stop and think about what has happened in the story so far.

“The story is about…”

Story Elements

Students should focus on:

Setting (when and where)

Characters

Problem

Solution/Ending

Retelling

Retellings provide details of the story from beginning to end in sequential order. Students are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible.

Word Recognition

If your child has difficulty figuring out unknown words, it is important that he/she learns to use multiple strategies.

Strategies include:

  • breaking the word into parts
  • looking for familiar patterns
  • sounding out the word
  • using context clues (clues in the sentence, paragraph, or picture)
  • using sentence structure (Example: the word is a verb or adjective)

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Are you interested in having a discussion with your childabout the book he/she is reading?

The following questions can get your discussion started.

  • What is the problem and how was it solved?
  • Is your book fiction or non-fiction? How do you know?
  • What character trait would you use to describe the character? Use details from the story to support your answer.

(selfish, curious, shy, generous, brave, etc.)

  • Which character is most or least like you? Why?
  • How did the character’s feelings change throughout the story? Example: In the beginning, Billy felt lonely because…At the end, Billy felt excited because…)
  • What is the main idea?

Does your child have difficulty reading fluently?

  • Reread familiar stories
  • Read poetry and focus on rhythm and expression
  • Listen to and read along with books on tape
  • Model fluent reading by reading aloud to your child
  • Provide opportunities for your child to read books at their independent level

Reading Tips

Help your child pick “just right” books to read independently.

A “just right” book is a book that isn’t too hard or too easy.

Easier books or familiar books can be read for enjoyment and to practice fluency. More challenging books are great for reading aloud to your child.

Children should try to read books from a variety of authors, genres, and themes.

Guide your child in using his/her strategies.

Encourage your child to practice reading orally and silently.

It is important to read every night!