September 2022

 

Introduction

 

At Cedar we believe that reading is the key to successful learning in all areas of the curriculum.  Our aim is for children to be able to read for information and for pleasure.  To encourage the children to become independent readers, we use a range of activities and pupils receive individual, small group and whole class tuition.

 

We would really appreciate your co-operation and support to encourage your child to become a better reader.  This leaflet gives some practical ideas and explains how you can help your child at home.

How children learn to read.

 

Learning to read is like trying to crack a code.  Children should be encouraged to look for different clues to help them understand what they are reading.  Learning individual words is important, but they are really aiming to work out the full message.

 

How can you help?

 

When you hear your child read, encourage him/her to use the following strategies to work words out:

• The pictures

• The length of words

• Sound words out

• The meaning of the story

• Word knowledge

• Previous memory of the story

• It is important not to confuse your child therefore you should only concentrate on developing a few skills at a time. For example you may say, “This week I want you to remember to use the pictures as clues.”  Remember your child will already use some of the clues mentioned

 

Reading Practice

 

The aim is to make reading an enjoyable experience but consistency is essential if progress is to be made.  Try to;

• Practice regularly

• Allocate a specific time for reading (15 minutes per evening if possible).

• Try to use a comfortable and quiet area.

• Make activities fun and interesting.

 

Confidence and motivation

 

These can be developed through:

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• Re-reading familiar books

• Re-reading children’s own pieces of writing

• Listening to taped stories

• Listening to adults reading aloud

• Taping children reading aloud

• Lots of praise – be specific

 

Things to do

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• Talk about books and pictures

• Explain what the book is about

• Ask children to predict – “What might happen next?”

• Ask children to talk about what has happened – ‘Which words / sentences did you like?’ or ‘What did you think about …?’ or ‘Tell me about….’

• Encourage children to read a variety of reading materials i.e. books, comics, magazines, newspapers.

• Encourage children to use expression in their voice.

• If children have difficulty with certain words write them on a card so that they can be practised.

• Make a game out of the high frequency words used in reading.

 

Phrases to use:

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‘Well done you had a go.’

‘Well done you used expression.’

‘Good you noticed a mistake and you corrected yourself.’

‘Good try, but did that make sense?

‘Good try, but did that sound right?

‘I like the way you used the pictures to check.’

‘I like the way you re-read that bit to check you understood it / got it right.’

‘Let’s try reading that word again.’

 

Remember to give lots of praise and be specific!

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