Helping your child to read:

These guidelines are to help you when you are hearing your child read.  The most important thing is that reading should be a positive,  enjoyable experience for both the child and adult, not a ‘chore’.

Beginning the session

  • ask the child about the book to begin discussion, e.g.
    • What is the book’s title?
    • What is the story about?
    • Do you like this book?
  • if the child has already started the book, ask about where they have got to and about the main events of the story so far.

Reading with your child

  • encourage the child to ‘sound out’ unfamiliar words and to try to blend the letters.
  • if this ‘phonic’ approach doesn’t work, encourage them to use the context/meaning of the text to help (e.g. by reading to the end of the sentence).
  • if the book contains pictures, encourage the child to look at them to get clues about unfamiliar words.
  • if the child hesitates, wait.  Given time, they will often show that they can work out words successfully.
  • provide the word if none of the above strategies works or if the child is getting anxious.
  • don’t correct every mistake the child makes; as they read on they will often self-correct when they realise it does not make sense.
  • if the child substitutes a similar word for another, but the meaning is retained, let him/her carry on.  However, if they are rushing and make careless mistakes, encourage them to slow down a bit and look carefully at the words.
  • some children may have flashcards and it is important that these words are practised, both matching the word where it occurs in the text, and in isolation.
  • ask questions to check that your child understands the text, both vocabulary and context.
  • for the more fluent reader, encourage expression and point out aspects of punctuation, e.g. speech marks, question/exclamation marks etc.
  • finish the session positively with a note of praise and encouragement!

Talk about the book

  • sometimes, children read the book fluently, but they haven’t always fully understood what they have read!
  • therefore, it is important to talk to your child about what they have just read – ask them questions to make sure they know what has happened in book. Encourage them to predict what might happen next. Why do they think this?

Finally,

  • if you have any concerns about your child’s reading, do not hesitate to see the class teacher.

HAPPY READING!

Further information with regards to helping your child with reading at home can be found within the presentation document link below: