reading books

[LumpyB]

My DS got one reading book in his book bag to bring home for easter( Oxford reading tree red), he now knows it off by heart.Is this usual,he 's just started in reception, I thought they would send at least a few.I've tried the local library but they seem to have nothing at this level(librarian not helpful)I do read alot to him but he seems to find the non scheme books really tricky.Any ideas?

I tend to agree with DreamTeamGirl on this, yes it is better if they can read from all sorts of places, and my DS is gradually starting to do this more and more (in Yr 1 now). But, for a long time he has not wanted to try reading any of his "home" books himself as they are much longer than his school books, have too many words he can't manage and he would rather I read them to him as I always have done. He does not like the approach of only reading a few of the words and letting me do the rest, just gives up and lets me take over.

So, for supplementing school books something that worked for us was a sort of flash card approach. DS's school sent home in Yr R some sheets of common words (mainly irregular ones that needed to be learnt by sight), we cut them up into individual words, put them in a box, DS pulls one out and tries to read it, when he manages he gets a sticker to put on it, he has really enjoyed that. Could easily make that yourself on the PC using words similar to the ones he is reading in his school books. Could vary the fonts and things too, in fact I might make some more of these, as I have the problem of him memorising his books, but not recognising the same word out of context.

Thats a fab idea MrsD
I will have a look at doing that

mrz I agree with you, I really do that it would be better if he could read non scheme books, but he is only 5 !! Only 7 months ago he could only read his name and now he loves reading and can read all sorts of ORT books and I fail to see how that is a bad thing. Plenty of time for him to progress over the next year or so, without taking away his enthusiasm now surely?

DreamTeamGirl as a reception teacher I would not have sent home scheme books over a holiday because I think at five children need a break. I would suggest to my parents that they read books together for fun and even write their own mini books the child tells the story and the parent writes the words and child can illustrate the pages if they want.

We make our own little books and sometimes I write ds notes - I can include exactly the sort of level of words that's right for him and he really enjoys this.

Thoroughly recommend doing that.

OOh, great idea april16210 - DD loves making books, started off with a big picture on each page and her dictating the words and then progressed. She loves reading her own books to GPs etc.