Reading with your child nightly is one of the most important things that you can do.  Here are some more specific suggestions to make your reading time even more meaningful.  Be careful to just pick one or two per session – it needs to be relaxing and fun.

Before Reading

Ý     Look at the title and illustrations together.  Predict what the story will be about.

Ý     Discuss what you both already know about the topic.

Ý     Read the first page and then ask your child to predict what might happen next.

During Reading

Ö     Encourage your child to picture in his or her mind what is happening in the book.  Share what you are picturing in your mind.

Ö     Ask what might happen next in the story.  Have your child modify his/her predictions as the story provides new information. 

Ö     If your child is struggling with a word for more than 3 seconds, it is usually best to tell him/her the word, and ask them to reread the sentence saying the word this time.  If you think your child should know the work, you might ask your child to make the sounds of the letters and think of a word that makes sense and has those sounds.  Always make sure your child’s last pronunciation of the word is correct.

After Reading

ä     Discuss the book as if you were discussing a movie you just saw with a friend.

ä     Ask thoughtful questions, such as:

í     Did this story turn out the way you thought it would?  Why or why not?

í     What made this book interesting to you?

í     Was the main character someone you would like to have as a friend?  Why or why not?

í     Have you ever felt like the main character?

í     If you were the author, how would you have changed the beginning, middle or end events?

í     Is this a book you would recommend to a friend?  Which events would your friend enjoy the most?

í     Would you enjoy reading other books by this author?