Often adults tell a child to "sound out" an unknown word. Frequently that prompt is successful and the word is decoded. When sounding out doesn't work, adults usually tell the word and reading continues.
However, our goal is to help children become independent readers. Here are some alternative suggestions for parents or "homework helpers" to use when your child confronts an unknown word:
* Wait 5-10 seconds to see what attempts are made. Ask: "What would make sense there?"
* Use the picture to help figure out the word.
* Skip the word and continue reading to the end of line or sentence.
* Go back and read the sentence again.
* If the word was on a previous page, go back and try to find it.
* Look for a smaller word in a big one (and in sand).
* Cover the ending (-ed, -ing) with your finger and try the word.
* Look how the word begins. Let the sound "pop" right out.
* Help with blending (sounding it out).
* Tell the word and keep on reading.
* It is important that children learn to use these strategies independently. When your child figures out a word, you might ask how he/she did it. Telling about their reading helps to reinforce learning.
* Just Right or Good Fit Books
In the classic tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Goldilocks tried all of the bears' porridge, chairs, and beds. Eventually, she found the ones that were "just right" for her. The books your child reads can be thought of in the same way. A book that is "just right" is one that your child can read independently. It is not too hard and it is not too easy. It's a good fit - it's "just right".
One way to help your child choose such a book is to use The Five Finger Rule. While reading the first page of a book, count the unknown words (using fingers to keep track is fine). If there are five or more, the book is too hard for now. Read that book together!
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Please be sure to become a member of our PTA. I recommend becoming a member of this organization. Our PTA consist of dedicated parents doing whats best for our school and community. They provide resources and programs to all families and are always looking for volunteers to help make this possible.
HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR PARENTS:
The Beehive (http://www.thebeehive.org/school/k-12-students/homework-help): Designed to provide families help with money, health, jobs, school and family. Information is provided in English and Spanish. Homework support is provided across the curriculum for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Many of the subjects are divided into smaller units of subject specific information for specific grade levels.
Fact Monster Homework Center (http://www.factmonster.com/homework/): Offers a very user friendly homework help site designed for children 14 and under. Geography, history, language arts, math, science, and social studies support is provided.
Parenting Websites
About.com: Parenting & Family (http://www.about.com/parenting/): Includes information on ages & stages, family activities & products, health & development, and other special topics. Many of the links provide information on keeping children healthy and happy.
Child Development Institute (http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/): Describes itself as providing practical information for toddlers to teens. It provides information for parents on child development, parenting, family life, teenagers, learning, health & safety, child psychology, and mental health. This award winning website also provides helpful information for a wide variety of childhood disorders.
Child & Family WebGuide (http://www.cfw.tufts.edu/): Includes research-based sites related to family/parenting, education/learning, typical child development, health/mental health, and resources/recreation. All sites included on the WebGuide have been evaluated by Tufts University graduate students and faculty for quality and usefulness.
Family Education (http://www.familyeducation.com/home/): Offers topics of interest to parents from birth to age 18. This extremely extensive site provides parents information related to a wide array of subjects from adoption and divorce to preparing for your child to go to college.
More4Kids (http://www.more4kids.info/588/best-websites-for-kids/): Has information for parents including a broad range of parenting topics such as: child care, child development, child safety, parenting, discipline, and product reviews. It also has a detailed list of websites for children including topics related to academics, crafts, games, and experiments.
Other Helpful Sites:
ED.gov (http://www.ed.gov/parents/landing.jhtml?src=pn): The U.S. Department of Education provides many resources for parents, teachers, students, and administrators. Information for parents includes a “Helping Your Child” series offering information for parents in English and Spanish on topics such as helping children with science, math, reading, homework, adolescence, and school.
Internet4Classrooms (http://www.internet4classrooms.com/parents.htm): Offers an extensive list of sites for parents to help their children including: reading, math, discipline, family life, internet safety, helping children with schoolwork, planning for your child’s future, and summer learning activities. Many pages are available in Spanish.