Ways to help children with their reading. General •
The child should always handle the book. They should pick it up, find the title page and turn the pages.
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Early readers may use their finger to point to words when reading, as they become better readers they should be encouraged to use their finger at the beginning of the line to hold their place, and then not to point at all unless working out a word, This encourages them to read more fluently, and helps with expression as it stops them from ‘ robot’ reading. Wherever possible, the adult should only point to a word if they are coming back to it or showing them how to work it out.
If a child makes a mistake. •
If it doesn’t change the overall meaning of the sentence/passage, leave it and come back to it.
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Ask the child how they could work it out rather than just tell them the word- using sounds, using meaning, using pictures.
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If they still can’t work out the word then show them how you would work it out ( some words just need to be told). Have a pen/paper or whiteboard/pen to show the child .. l-oo-k etc)
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If a child has to work out more that 2 words in sentence, encourage them to re read for meaning.
Useful questions to ask Before reading •
“Look at the Title and picture, what do you think the book is about? Why?”
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If possible relate the book to the child e.g,” Do you have a bike/pet/been to the park/zoo?”
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“What do you think might happen?”
After reading A few questions similar to.... •
“What happened to..?”
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“Why do you think he..?”
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“What could happen next?”
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“What would you have done?”
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“Do you think he was right to.....? Why/why not?”
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“Who was your favourite character in the book?. Why?”
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“Did you enjoy the book? Why/why not?”
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff.