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Original poster

Advice on reading

11 replies

RedAngel19 · 23/03/2019 07:15

Hi there, I'm looking for some advice on reading. My child (year 2) is a book worm and is a fairly advanced reader. It's been mentioned to me tha kids should still be encouraged to read out loud a bit. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to do this? By this, I mean as well as checking new words are understood, what else should I be doing? Check comprehension? Ask them to suggest other adjectives for words used in the text? I know this sounds like a silly question but I'm assuming it's not asking them to read aloud for the sake of reading aloud. I guess I'm wondering how I add value to this exercise!

OP posts:
twoheaped · 23/03/2019 07:20

If they love reading, I would just let them love reading.
Unless you are being asked by school to do more, just let them read.

Original poster
RedAngel19 · 24/03/2019 07:21

Thanks twoheaped. That is what I've been doing since year 1 but wasn't sure if I should let it be (especially as I know he doesn't understand all the words he reads and doesn't bother to ask even if I remind him to). At his school, they also no longer have a TA so the children no longer have reading days where they get ten mins to read aloud with the TA. I'll let him be for now and perhaps ask the teacher as well.

OP posts:
GeorgeTheBleeder · 24/03/2019 07:31

THe most fun way to do this is for him to read a page, then you read a page, then child - and so on. I've found it a wonderful means of helping a child read books that are more difficult than they might attempt alone.

You'll know when they're uncertain of vocabulary or comprehension simply by how they read a passage aloud - so you can stop them and explain. Inevitably you'll find yourselves talking about the story/theme as well - both during the reading and at other times.

Don't think of it as lessons. Sharing books is simply one of the very best and most enjoyable things you can do together. Make it a habit!

Two2tango · 24/03/2019 08:17

My DD who is also in Y2 and a good reader reads to me every day. Also to the teacher several times a week.

At this stage what they're looking for is reading with expression, with appropriate pauses etc. We always discuss the story and any words I think she might not have known. I quite enjoy doing this although it does depend on the book that's come home!

JustRichmal · 24/03/2019 11:04

I bought dd an electronic dictionary bookmark, so she could quickly and easily look up the words she did not know.

Original poster
RedAngel19 · 25/03/2019 12:16

Oooh, an electronic dictionary bookmark. I'll have to check this out. We have dictionaries but my DS doesn't bother with them. Some other good tips above as well. Thanks everyone.

OP posts:
81Byerley · 25/03/2019 12:27

What about getting into a routine of "I'll read you a story then you read me a story"? I heard about an experiment where half a class were given a book for the child to have read to them every night for three nights. The other half of the class were given the identical book together with the story on a cd. The story included two made up words. The parents who were reading to their children were asked not to make special reference to those words.At the end of the three days all the children were tested. All the children who had been read to recognised and understood the two words, and two thirds of the others did not.

GeorgeTheBleeder · 25/03/2019 13:47

Oooh, an electronic dictionary bookmark.

OP as a pp has suggested, there really is an advantage in reading with an actual human, rather than just a device. It is worth persisting with this - particularly when a child is small and relatively biddable.

Do they see you reading for pleasure? And using your dictionaries?

MimiDul · 25/03/2019 14:37

Once a child is fluent there isn't much you can do to improve their reading. Your focus should now be on them mastering inference and deduction - reading stories looking for clues to answer questions asked, forming opinions based on the clues and giving full answers in sentences. This is what you do when you are reading together. Stop him, ask questions and ask him to tell you why he thinks that. These are skills that are essential not just for english but also maths, science and much more. At other times, let him read what he prefers making sure he is reading widely and not just authors he prefers.

Original poster
RedAngel19 · 27/03/2019 20:26

MimiDul, this is super helpful. Really appreciate it. I'm going to do this!

GeorgetheBleeder, usually we sit side by side in bed or in the sofa each reading our own books in companionable silence! Our house is filled with books as I'm an avid reader myself and some of DC's books are mine from my childhood. The passion for reading has definitely been passed on!

Some useful tips above though on how I can better support my child's love of reading. Thanks everyone!

OP posts:
BottleOfJameson · 28/03/2019 15:58

I don't think I'd do anything too contrived which makes reading into an interview process. ow about taking it in turns to read a chapter each and then just chat about the book - what do you think will happen next? Why did she do that? I don't think X is going to be a nice character. Do you think Y maybe feels nervous and that's why she's quiet? What do you think etc?

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