1. How to read a level “aa” book

2. Create the habit: model, model model
Do a picture walk
Talk about the pictures; ask questions; make personal connections
Parent models reading with finger tracking
touching each word as you read it
Retell the story
Ask comprehension questions
When appropriate, it’s your child’s turn…

3. Your child’s turn!
After you have modelled reading the book, it’s your child’s turn 
Finger tracking
Important because they might be doing most of their “reading” from memory, so have them point to each word they’re saying
Let them use the pictures as clues but go back and sound out that word
Sounding out using grapheme knowledge they have gained so far
If they get stuck
Sound out, help out, review
Don’t push it for too long
Make it enjoyable
When they can sound out all words independently, let the teacher know

4. Comprehension questions
The Basics:
Where did the story take place?
What did the girl do?
Who was in this story?
The Elite (open ended):
How?
Why?

5. Make it special Have a special reading place
Relax: it is a process and it will take some time
Give choices
Show excitement
Make it a daily habit

6. Communicate with the teacher
Use the tracking log (i.e., “please assess my child”)
Bring up concerns with the teacher