The commitment of parents / carers to reading with their child at home is fantastic. It’s clear to see in the classroom that children are becoming more confident with a variety of different texts.
We now have a ‘Reading Basket‘ where your child can place their book if they feel they are ready for a new one. If your child has finished reading the book given, however, I suggest that before they change their book they demonstrate to you a further understanding of the text by completing one of the following activities:
- Hot seating the main characters. This is where your child takes the place of a character in the book and is asked questions relating to their feelings. Alternatively, you could become one of the main characters and get your child to ask you questions.
- A book review. I have templates available or you could just do a review with your child orally.
- Reading without pictures. Ask questions about the text whilst reading through the book with the pictures covered. Can they find the word which describes how the main character is feeling? If you want to have some ideas of questions to ask the children when they are reading, please feel free to speak to me.
Also, remember that reading other texts, aside from reading books, is also very important. The children will benefit reading material that is in their everyday life. Books from the library, comics and even magazines are a great way for children to become accustomed to alternative texts.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask and thank you for your support with your child’s reading.