How you can help

Reading in our modern world it is more important than ever.  Children learn about the importance of reading as they watch family members use reading and writing for everyday purposes. We read and write in everyday life –  sharing a story with your child, using a recipe, making a shopping list, writing a birthday card or reading street signs.

What you can do at home to help

Read aloud to children. It helps them to learn the language of books and will encourage them to enjoy books . Talk about books, read together and make it an enjoyable, shared activity. Make sure there is a wide range of  material for your child  both fiction andnon-fiction. Try not to let television intrude on reading time. Make it  a special time for your child, away from interruption. Listen to your child every day, even for a short time. Give books as treats and presents.

Hints for listening to your child read

Before starting

Talk about the cover, the title, the pictures, and discuss what the book may be about.

During

Discuss what has been read up to that point, and imagine what will happen next time. Take turns. Beginning readers can read the repetitive parts and more experienced readers can read a paragraph or a page.

On finding an unknown word:

Pause to give your child time to work out the word

Prompt

– go back to the beginning of the sentence, or read past the difficult word to the end of the sentence.

– look for a clue in the picture or the words– look at the first letter and think about what the words could be.

– ask “Does this make sense?”– try to sound out the word

–       if necessary tell your child the word

Praise your child for trying even if mistakes are made.Discuss the meaning of stories and words.

After

Talk and ask questions about the story and the pictures.