Supporting your child with English

In June, Years 7, 8 and 9 will be sitting end of year tests in English. These tests will help us to assess your child and how they have progressed over the past academic year. The best thing that you can do to help them to prepare is to support them to develop as readers and writers.

Writing

1.Build a climate of words at home. Go places and see things with your child, then talk about what has been seen, heard, smelled, tasted, touched.

2.Be as helpful as you can in helping your child to write. Talk through their ideas with them; help them discover what they want to say. When they ask for help with spelling, punctuation, and usage, supply that help.

3.Provide a suitable place for your child to write. A quiet corner is best, their own place, if possible. If not, any flat surface with elbow room, a comfortable chair, and a good light will do.

4.Give your child, and encourage others to give, presents associated with writing:

  • pens of several kinds
  • a desk lamp
  • pads of paper, stationery, envelopes -- even stamps
  • a booklet for a diary or daily journal
  • a dictionary appropriate to the child's age and needs. Most dictionary use is for checking spelling, but a good dictionary contains fascinating information on word origins, synonyms, pronunciation, and so forth
  • a thesaurus. This will help in the search for the "right" word

5.Encourage your child to write thank you notes for presents received or letters and emails to family and friends.

6.Encourage your child to write reviews for products bought, service given or experiences had on company websites or Facebook pages.

7.All subject areas will provide homework that requires extended writing from time to time. Ask to see any writing your child does for homework. Be positive about his or her efforts. Recognise that for every error made, he or she does many things right.

Reading

How to help your child become a good reader:

  1. Let your child see you as a reader- talk to them about what you’re reading and what you enjoy about it.
  2. Encourage your child to choose his/her own books.
  3. Go into a bookshop with your child and buy a book that your child wants.
  4. Visit the library together.
  5. Ask the school or public librarian to recommend books.
  6. Let them read their favourite types of books and favourite authors.
  7. Don’t assume that just because you enjoyed the book they will.
  8. Look out for books that have won awards.
  9. Encourage them to read widely - not just story books.
  10. Subscribe to a magazine on your child’s interest.
  11. Find books about issues that your child may be worried about.
  12. Use the Internet. If you shop online you could read reviews together or ask your child to look for specific products when food shopping.
  13. Create reading space and insist on at least 10 minutes per day.
  14. Make the time to ask your child about their reading.
  15. Read with your child once a week.
  16. Buy a newspaper or read one online – talk about the articles that you find interesting.
  17. Encourage them to talk to their teachers for advice.
  18. Look out for authors visiting local bookshops.
  19. Look at favourite authors’ websites.
  20. Encourage your child to write to the author of a book they are reading with questions or reactions to the book.
  21. Post or email the letter! You can usually find an address for the publisher online.

Questions to ask to support your child’s reading:

Before reading:

Why have you chosen this book?

What kind of book is it?

What do you already know about the book?

Does it have anything in common with any other books you have read?

Does it link to any of your own experiences?

What do you expect from this book?

During reading:

Who is the voice in the book?

What is the style of the book?

Is the vocabulary mostly familiar? What words are unfamiliar?

How can you work out…?

What pictures do you see in your mind?

What do you think about…?

How do you imagine … feels?

Why do you think … does …?

What is the author suggesting about…?

How does the organisation of the text help you?

What do you think might happen next?

After reading:

What did you like / dislike about the book? How did it make you feel?

Did anything surprise you about the book?

Do you need / want to re-read any part of the book?

What have you learnt from what you’ve read?

If your child is struggling with a particular area of either reading or writing both the BBC Bitesize and BBC Skillswise websites have some excellent resources and games. Please speak to your child's English teacher if you require further advice and support or email Claire Willis (KS3 English Co-ordinator)

The most important thing is that your child does not worry about the test. They are only a part of the ongoing assessment process undertaken throughout the year by your child’s teacher.