1. Welcome et Bienvenue Introduction of Literacy Support Team: Mme Pam, Mme Robyn and Mme Cristina.

2. The role of the Literacy Support Team at Varsity Acres What is Guided Reading?

3. How do I help my child at home? Share stories at night or anytime that is “special”. Make book time a special time. Model reading as an important and significant part of your lives. Show that reading is valued, don’t just say it. Establish a routine so that your child knows what comes when and what is expected. Sit next to each other so you can both see the text.

4. BEFORE YOU READ ALOUD Preview the book together. Discuss what it may be about, based on the pictures. Talk about the title…what does it tell you? Look at the characters in the pictures…what does that tell you? Make predictions if it is a “new” book.

5. DURING THE READ ALOUD Decoding (sounding out) syllables and then, putting them together. Looking for a small word in the bigger word…méchante…can you see “chante” in the bigger word? Skipping ahead and coming back to the word that is “hard”. Use various strategies to determine unfamiliar words.

6. Use a dictionary or online dictionary for new vocabulary…sounding it out only works if you know the word in the first place! Ask questions about content. Ask questions like “Who do you think the villain is? Who is the hero in this story? Why do you think that? Challenge each other. Can you find five words on this page that rhyme with “le”? Take turns.

7. AFTER THE READ ALOUD Ask more questions. Would you have done the same thing? Why do you think it turned out that way? How do you think he felt? Have you ever had that same kind of thing happen (at school, at camp, to you)? Can you think of another possible ending? Did you like the story? Why? Why not?

8. Tips to Grow a Reader Tell family tales Kids enjoy hearing stories about their own family. Parents talk about things that happened to you during your childhood. Be your child’s #1 fan Your child reads to you what he has been writing at school recently. Listen with your full attention and enthusiasm. One more time with feeling Reinforce the understanding of new words. Ask him to re- read the sentence and ask your child the meaning of it. Often, children lose track about what they just read.

9. Do storytelling on the go. Make up some funny stories when you are in the car or on the bus. Each of you alternate turns to add details to your stories. Point out the relationship between words Relate words to what the child already knows by giving examples about similar spelling or meanings such as the word, “written” is derived from the word “write”. Quick, quick Games where your child could recognize and read a word quickly including computer games, flash cards, and home made materials.

10. Reading with an independent reader Research shows that there is a predictable slump that happens at the end of grade four. We often think by this age that kids can read well enough on their own, but this is when books start to get longer and words begin to get harder. Do not stop reading aloud with children even when they can read independently-just take turns sharing the role of narrator. Set a monthly goal for the amount of reading minutes the child should achieve. Encourage children to develop an interest in a variety of genres such as adventure, mystery, fantasy and poetry.

11. Tips for Advanced Readers Library cards and regular visits to exchange books develop interest in exploring new books. Have a favorite place in your home for library books and go regularly so your child can choose what they like to read. Join book talks with your child. Book series and author favorites teach the joy of reading. Have your child begin series of books and if they enjoy the style of the book encourage them to continue the series. Consult with librarians to recommend popular authors that your child can continue to follow. Model the use of curiosity about word meanings by using the dictionary or thesaurus. Discuss intriguing words that you learn and challenge the family to use those words a dozen times during the week to enhance vocabulary. Engage in discussions about valuable experiences your encounter such as cooking together, visiting new places or watching interesting programs on T.V.

12. GAMES AND WEBSITES Varsity Acres website…Grade 4 and Grade 1 sites are not JUST for students in those grades. Please look at these website regardless of your child’s grade..they are filled with helpful hints. Go the Varsity Acres website and click on Students, then scroll down to School Showcase. Drop down to the grade one literacy website or the grade four reading site www.tapis.com.au/studentbook1/ www.crickweb.co.uk/ks2french.html www.funbrain.com www.bbc.co.uk/schools/starship www.starfall.com How to Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfreid Englemann La Cité des Rocheuses Resource Centre at Ecole Marguerite Bourgeois