Helpful Reading Tips
Before Reading:
1. Read the title
2. Read the author/illustrator
3. Take a picture walk
4. Think about what you already know about the topic
5. Predict what might happen
During Reading:
1. Use the pictures to help you understand what you are reading
2. Think about the characters, setting, problem, and solution
3. Self-question who, what, where, why, and when after
reading each chapter or at the end of a short story
After Reading:
1. Talk or write about the story
2. Think of a new ending
3. Find words or parts of the story you didn't understand and re-read
4. Retell the story. Make sure to include beginning, middle and end
HOW TO FIND JUST RIGHT BOOKS
What is a “Just Right” Book?
Your child will be reading many books this year. A “just right” book is a book that your child can read independently; books should be neither too difficult nor too easy in order for your child to grow as a reader.
The “five finger rule” is one way for your child to choose a “just right” book.
Once your child has chosen a book, ask him or her to read the first page aloud. As your child reads, he/she should count on one hand any unknown words. If there are five or more unknown words on a full page of text, this book is too difficult! If you child knows all the words, it may be too easy.
When reading a “just right” book:
Children enjoy and benefit from rereading familiar text, but in order to grow as a reader, your child needs to read books which are “just right.” If your child chooses a book that is too difficult, this would be a great choice for reading together.
Just Right Books! (Goldilocks!)
0-1 words on a page you don't know= TOO EASY
2-4 words on a page you don't know= JUST RIGHT
4-5 or more words on a page you don't know= TOO HARD
Keep count on your fingers! You will enjoy your book if it's JUST RIGHT!
Routman, R. (2000) Conversations: strategies for teaching, learning, and evaluating. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Durning, 2010
1. Read the title
2. Read the author/illustrator
3. Take a picture walk
4. Think about what you already know about the topic
5. Predict what might happen
During Reading:
1. Use the pictures to help you understand what you are reading
2. Think about the characters, setting, problem, and solution
3. Self-question who, what, where, why, and when after
reading each chapter or at the end of a short story
After Reading:
1. Talk or write about the story
2. Think of a new ending
3. Find words or parts of the story you didn't understand and re-read
4. Retell the story. Make sure to include beginning, middle and end
HOW TO FIND JUST RIGHT BOOKS
What is a “Just Right” Book?
Your child will be reading many books this year. A “just right” book is a book that your child can read independently; books should be neither too difficult nor too easy in order for your child to grow as a reader.
The “five finger rule” is one way for your child to choose a “just right” book.
Once your child has chosen a book, ask him or her to read the first page aloud. As your child reads, he/she should count on one hand any unknown words. If there are five or more unknown words on a full page of text, this book is too difficult! If you child knows all the words, it may be too easy.
When reading a “just right” book:
- Reading should be fairly fluent (not too choppy sounding)
- Your child should be able to tell you about what he/she has read
- Your child should be interested in the topic
Children enjoy and benefit from rereading familiar text, but in order to grow as a reader, your child needs to read books which are “just right.” If your child chooses a book that is too difficult, this would be a great choice for reading together.
Just Right Books! (Goldilocks!)
0-1 words on a page you don't know= TOO EASY
2-4 words on a page you don't know= JUST RIGHT
4-5 or more words on a page you don't know= TOO HARD
Keep count on your fingers! You will enjoy your book if it's JUST RIGHT!
Routman, R. (2000) Conversations: strategies for teaching, learning, and evaluating. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Durning, 2010