Commonly Asked Questions
How can I get my child interested in reading?
Here are just a few tips to foster an interest in reading:
1. Read to your child and with your child often.
2. Let your child see what you are reading. Talk about situations in your everyday life where you use reading. For example, at your job, restaurant menus and road signs are just a few.
3. Visit the library.
4. Talk about a book and share what parts are interesting or surprising without drilling for facts. Have a family reading time.
5. Keep different types of reading material on hand such as comic books, magazines, newspapers and nonfiction books.
Why is reading nonfiction with my child so important?
Nonfiction is reading material that is informational. It is important for children to have many opportunities to be exposed to nonfiction so that they become flexible with reading both fiction and nonfiction material. If you think about it, we read a fictional story differently from a science book. it is important for children to understand that when reading both types of text, their purpose of reading, how they read each one and the rate of reading of each type of text may be different. Instead of always reading a fictional story as a read aloud, try reading a book about an animal or topic your child is interested in. The library is also a good source of nonfiction where children can check out and explore magazines, newspapers, cookbooks, how to books, and subject area books.
How can I make sure my child understands what he is reading?
1. In conversation, talk about what your child is reading or what you are reading to them.
2. Try to avoid only drilling the child with recall questions. Instead, ask questions that require a deeper understanding such as: What would you have done if you were the main character? Do you know anyone who has been in the same situation as the main character? What was the most interesting fact you learned about whales? How are whales like dolphins?
3. Whenever possible, help your child to make connections to other books he's reading, to situations or events going on in the world or to experiences in his own life.
4. Be a model for your child. Let your child see you reading and also talking about what you've read and any connections you've made while reading.
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