Thursday, May 22, 2014

Tips on hearing your child read


The answer to yesterday's book quote is:  The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Today's quote for you is:

"There was a boy named Milo who didn't know what to do with himself - not just sometimes, but always."


Ten tips on hearing your Child read

1. Choose a quiet time -Set aside a quiet time with no distractions.  Ten to fifteen minutes is usually long enough but of course overtime is highly approved if both the reader and the readee, agree. :)

2. Make reading enjoyable- Make reading an enjoy experience.  Sit with your child.  Cuddle with your child. Try not to pressure if she or he is reluctant.  If your child loses interest, then do something else.

3. Maintain the flow- If your child mispronounces a word do not interrupt immediately.  Instead allow opportunity for self-correction.  If your child cannot figure out the word don't go through the process of sounding it out, just tell them the word and move on, continuing the flow of the language and the storyline.

4. Be positive- If a child says something nearly right to start with that is fine.  Don't say 'No. That's wrong,' but ' Let's read it together' and point to the words as you say them.  Boost your child's confidence with constant praise and hugs even for smaller achievements.

5. Success is the key- Parents anxious for a child to progress can mistakenly give a child a book that is way too difficult.  This can have the opposite effect to the one they are wanting.  Remember 'Nothing succeeds like success'. Until your child has built up his or her confidence, it is better to keep to easier books.  Struggling with a book with many unknown words is pointless.  Flow is lost, text cannot be understood and children can easily become reluctant readers.

6. Visit a Library- Encourage your child to use the public library regularly.

7. Regular practice- Try to read with your child on most school days. 'Little and often' is best.  Teachers have limited time to help your child with reading as they are dealing with large numbers and do not have the time to devote large chunks of quality time to each child.

8. Communicate- Your child will most likely have a reading journal from school and if not you can easily make one for home use.  Try to communicate with positive words and comments and any concerns. Your child will then know that you are interested in his progress and you value reading and his progressing reading skills.

9. Talk about the books- There is more to being a good reader than being able to read words accurately.  Just as important is being able to understand what has a been read.  Always talk to your child about the book; about the pictures, the characters, how they think the story will end, their favourite part.  You will then be able to see how well they understood and you will help them develop good comprehension skills.

10. Variety is important- Remember children need to experience a variety of reading materials eg. picture book, comics, novels, magazines, maps, poems, graphic novels, and information books. Include both fiction and non-fiction.

A great book to purchase and read thoroughly is :




Title:  Reading Magic
Author:  Mem Fox


About the book according to Amazon: 

Best-selling children's author and internationally respected literacy expert Mem Fox reveals the incredible emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read. With passion and humor, Fox speaks of when, where, and why to read aloud and demonstrates how to read aloud to best effect and get the most out of a read-aloud session. She discusses the three secrets of reading, offers guidance on defining and choosing good books, and—for this new edition—includes two new chapters on boy readers and phonics, a foreword, and a list of "Twenty Books That Children Love." Filled with practical advice, activities, and inspiring true read-aloud miracles, this book is a turn-to classic for educators and parents.

About the author: (doesn't she look like a lot of fun, love her)




  1. Mem Fox, AM is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox is semi-retired and lives in Adelaide. Wikipedia
  2. BornMarch 5, 1946 (age 68), Melbourne, Australia
  3. NationalityAustralian




Book review rating:  9 ( close to perfection!)



Read on and read always with your little ones!  Have an exquisite day everyone.
                                    

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