Reading Strategies
There are many things parents can do with their children at home to improve their reading. You have probably heard words such as 'fluency' and 'comprehension', among other reading terms. However, even though you may know what these words mean, you may not know the best ways to help your child improve in theses areas. Please continue reading to learn about some popular strategies to assist your child with his/her reading.
Fluency:
Reading fluency is the ability to read phrases and sentences smoothly and quickly, while understanding them as expressions of complete ideas.
Strategies to improve/practice fluency:
*Repeated Reading:
One of the best ways to become a fluent reader is to read something over several times. The first time a text is read, the focus is on word identification. The second time a text is read, words are placed in meaningful units and are read in phrases. The third time a text is read, it can be read more rapidly and with better expression.
*Echo Reading:
Adult reads one sentence and the child "echoes" or rereads the same sentence with the same stress, tone, and phrasing.
*Choral reading:
This activity works best for poetry, stories with refrains, or books with lots of dialogue. Adult reads through the entire text once or twice, then the child reads the same text aloud with the adult for the third time.
*Reader's Theater:
Choose a book that has a play format with different characters. Select roles and have your child practice reading the chosen part. Invite other family members to join in the fun. This activity practices fluency, expression, and voice.
Comprehension:
Reading comprehension is understanding a text that is read. Comprehension is a process that requires constant attention while reading is taking place. A good reader is always reading for meaning.
Strategies to improve comprehension:
*Predictions:
Before reading, encourage your child to them to think about what the story/passage may be about. Be sure to point out the title, pictures, or any other important features. Discussing the passage before reading will activate their prior knowledge of the subject. Also, while your child is reading, stop him/her at different points and encourage them to make more predictions. Ask them to explain why he/she thinks that is going to happen. Ask, "What has happened so far in the story/passage to make you think that?"
*Conversations:
Although it sounds simple, having a conversation about what is being read is the easiest way to strengthen comprehension. Ask your child to tell you about what he/she read (summarizing) and ask them questions about the story/passage. For example, "Why do you think the character did that?", "How do you think that happened?", "How do you think the character felt when that happened?", "What was your favorite part and why?", or "What did you learn that was new?"
*Read, Read, Read:
Read chapter books, both fiction and nonfiction, to your child. Continue to have your child read to you..no matter what their age! Exposing your child to a variety of texts and talking about them will not only build comprehension, it will also increase your child's vocabulary.
Enjoy reading to and with your child!
Fluency