Reading In First Grade

Information For Parents

The Four Reading Events

•Shared Reading-groups work with the teacher using books that promote early reading behavior.

•Guided Reading-child problem solves with little help from the teacher at text instructional level of 90 percent or above.

• Read Aloud-child listens to the story for language patterns, vocabulary and concepts above instructional level.

• Familiar Reading-Child applies strategies in independent reading.

Six Ways to Read

•Get Help from pictures-a picture can tell you what the words say.

•Remembering-you remember some words because you see them over and over.

•Phonics-the sounds of letters in a word can help you read it •Predicting-expecting words to come along makes you ready to read them.

•Writing –writing the words is good practice for reading them.

•Sense-if what you read makes sense then you’re reading it right

What Do Good Readers Do Before Reading

• Think about the title and the cover.

• Think about the pictures.

• Think about things that might happen in the story.

• Think about what I already know.

While Reading if I Don’t Know a Word…

• Look at the pictures.

• Say the word slowly.

• Reread.

• Skip it, read on, then go back.

• Look for chunks.

• Ask what would make sense.

• Ask where have I seen that word before.

What Good Readers Do

• Use eyes and fingers to make text match.

• Look at the pictures.

• Get mouths ready to read.

• Ask if the word or text look right, sound right and does it make sense.

• Start over to fix the word or text to check it.

What Parents Can Do

• Read with your child 10-20 minutes each day.

• Find a quiet, comfortable spot to read.

• Read different types of materials.

• Let your child see you reading.

• Read aloud to your child and reread favorite stories.

• Let your child read to you.

• Talk about what you and your child read.

Reacting To Errors

• Give your child 10 seconds of wait time to figure out the word.

• Ask,”What do you think the word could be?” • Let your child use picture clues.

• Have your child reread the sentence.

• Ask your child to sound out the word.

• Tell your child the word.

• Praise your child.

Respond to Reading

• Talk about what you are reading.

• Predict what the book will be about by looking at the title and cover.

• Question while you read…the who, what, when, where, why and how.

• Relate the text to a personal experience.

• Retell the story in sequence.

• Discuss favorite parts, likes, dislikes, or something learned.

• Discuss thoughts and feelings about what you are reading.

Reading is a Life Skill

Reading is an important life skills. You can help your child to become a fluent reader by providing experiences that will meet with success. The use of a library card, reading different kinds of books and magazines, reading directions, recipes and mail are just a few ideas. By being supportive and praising new skills learned you can help your child enjoy the world of books.