STRATEGIES TO BECOME A BETTER READER

Here are important reading strategies students can use before, during and after reading:

      

       Before Reading

 

Predict what the book is about from the title.  Set a purpose for reading.  Ex.  I am going to read this book because I want to learn more about animals.

Take a picture walk through the book.  Ask, What is happening in the pictures?

      

      During Reading

 

• Visualize - make a movie in your head just like you do when listening to a story.
   

• Question - think about the story, asking yourself who, what, when, where, why, how.
   

• Clarify - understand new words - figure out words using print strategies

  •  Use finger to point under each word to keep track of where you are reading

  • Use beginning sounds to figure out words

  • Use ending sounds to figure out words

  • Use pictures on the page to help figure out a word

  • Use word chunks (group of letters in a pattern like _ack, _ight)

  • Look for a smaller word within the word

  • Read to the end of the sentence.  Sometimes the word that
    makes sense pops right up!

  • Reread the sentence or passage to increase understanding
     

      Make predictions - "What happens next?

 

• Make connections

  • What other story is like this one? (Text to Text Connection)

  • Have you felt the same away as a character in the story?  Did something similar happen to you? (Text to Self Connection)

  • Does it help you think about something in real life not directly connected to you?  (Text to World Connection)

 

         After Reading

 

• React - What did you think of the story?

  • How did it make you feel?
     

• Summarize

  • What was most important in the story?  One way to do this is to think:
            ~ Someone
            ~ Did something
            ~ But (there was a problem)
            ~ Then (the problem gets solved)
                 ~ Finally (what happened at the end?)
    
    
    ~ Helping Your Child At Home ~  
    
    
    Reading Practice

    As with any new skill, the more you practice the better you become. Just like learning to ride a bike, reading also needs to be practiced. Parents can help!

    • Read to and with your child every day.
    • Ask questions about what is being read to make sure your child understands
    • Rereading stories and books is fine.
    • Take your child to the library and stay awhile to read together (then borrow more books to take home).
    • Make reading a priority in your home.
    • Remember, you are your child's most important teacher.  Children learn to do what you do