Dear Parents,
Reading is one of the most important life skills. You can help your child become an enthusiastic and fluent reader by proving experiences that will lead to success. I hope you will implement some of these ideas.
Keep a variety of books available so your child can choose and feel a sense of power over his or her reading. Read different kinds of books--picture books, mysteries, fables, biographies, non-fiction, etc. Try reading poems, songs, rhymes and even riddles. Read to get information such as game directions, toy instructions and recipes. If possible, make frequent trips to the Patchogue-Medford Library. Get your child his or her own library card. You might subscribe to a children's magazine. Children love to receive mail!
By remaining loving and supportive at all times, and by praising your child's new-found skills, you can help your child experience the wondrous world of reading!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Susan Stein
Reacting to errors when a child reads.
Mistakes are a fact of life, especially when you are learning something new. Encourage your child to take a risk, then praise him/her for trying. The following hints will help when your child has difficulty.
Have PATIENCE. Give your child "wait time" of 10 seconds to let him/her figure out the word.
Ask your child, "What do you THINK the word could be?"
Suggest that your child use a picture clue if appropriate.
Tell your child the word. Don't lose the flow of the text. Some words are difficult to figure out!
Give your child time to self-correct as he/she reads and PRAISE them for the effort!
Accept appropriate substitutions such as "mom" for "mother."
Focus on what your child is doing well. PRAISE your child with "Good try!" and "You really figured it out!"
If all this is done your child will enjoy the experience of reading in a happy environment.
Thank you,
Mrs. Susan Stein