1. Helping Your Student Become a Better Reader

2. What might be causing my child trouble? The text (book) is too hard. Model – He/she doesnt know why reading is important. Fluency – It takes too long to figure out the words. Comprehension – He/she cant understand what he or she is reading.

3. Choosing a Just Right Book Five Finger Check If your child does not know 5 or more words on 1 page, it is too difficult! Is the book interesting? Can your child understand what he/she is reading? Is your child reading fluently?

4. Modeling Good Reading Practices Let your child see you reading for pleasure and for work. Set aside a time when the whole family reads. Turn off the T.V. and computer. Go to the library once a week. Give books as gifts for rewards, holidays, and birthdays.

5. Ways to Improve Fluency Reread familiar books. …and again and again and again… Read books that are easy to read. (at independent reading level) Listen to books on tape/CD/mp3. Practice sight words. Tape your child and have them listen to themselves read. Or record themselves on the computer using SoundRecorder (on all computers) or Audacity (free download).

6. Reading with your student Title, author, prediction If there are pictures in the book, take a picture/book walk. Ask questions as you read with your child. Ask them about their favorite page or part. Have them retell the story (page, chapter) or write a summary! (beginning, middle, end or 5-finger retell)

7. 5 Finger Retell

8. Help Your Child Make Connections What do you already know? Text-to-Self Text-to-Text Text-to-World

9. What Can My Student Read Magazines Newspaper Graphic Novels Series books Recipes Poetry Songs

10. Common Terms Teachers Use Reading tests that teachers use: DRA, QRI, STAR, … WPM – words per minute How many words your child can read in a minute. Reading Level – the grade level that your child is reading Comprehension – understanding the book Fluency – how well they are reading the book

11. Useful Websites www.rif.org/educators/books/kids_dont_lik e_reading_booklist.mspxwww.rif.org/educators/books/kids_dont_lik e_reading_booklist.mspx www.guysread.com (for boys)www.guysread.com www.colorincolorado.org www.onlinebooks.com (famous people reading books)www.onlinebooks.com www.nationalgeographic.com www.raz-kids.com (not free)www.raz-kids.com