Tips for reading with your child:
There are many ways that you can help your child build his or her comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary while reading with him or her. One of the best ways you can do this is by asking questions as you read, such as what do you think will happen next; how do you think the character is feeling; what is the problem in the story; or what are the character's names? By asking these questions, you are helping your child recall information and retell the story, which is critical in comprehension.
You can also do activities with the words, especially the more difficult ones, such as having your child repeat a word or phrase with you. You can also point to the words as you read, because your child can then associate the words he or she hears with the words you are saying. This helps your child to build fluency, because he or she is hearing the word, saying the word, and seeing the word.
Specific Instructional Suggestions For Our Featured Books:
The Greedy Triangle
Before: Begin by doing a picture walk with your child. See how many of the shapes he or she can identify, and explain the shapes your child does not know to him or her.
During: After the picture walk, read the story aloud to your child. As you read, stop before reading the name of the shapes. Point to the picture instead, and have your child fill in the shape's name.
After: Once you are finished reading the book, go on a scavenger hunt in your home. See how many of the shapes from the story your child can find in your home, such as a square rug, a triangular lampshade, or an octagonal table.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table
Before: Brainstorm the different shapes of tables - such as rectangular, square, octagonal, or circular. If you have the resources, have your child look up different pictures of tables to see the many different types. Then explain to him or her that this story is about a man named Sir Cumference, who must find the perfect shaped table for the King and his men.
During: Read the story aloud. As you read, stop on any pages where your table pictures match the shape in the story. Compare your tables to the ones in the book, such as your rectangular table to the book's rectangular table. Is one longer or skinnier than the other? Is one shorter or taller than the other?
After: Find something circular in your house, such as a table or stool. Measure the diameter, the radius, and the circumference of the object.
There are many ways that you can help your child build his or her comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary while reading with him or her. One of the best ways you can do this is by asking questions as you read, such as what do you think will happen next; how do you think the character is feeling; what is the problem in the story; or what are the character's names? By asking these questions, you are helping your child recall information and retell the story, which is critical in comprehension.
You can also do activities with the words, especially the more difficult ones, such as having your child repeat a word or phrase with you. You can also point to the words as you read, because your child can then associate the words he or she hears with the words you are saying. This helps your child to build fluency, because he or she is hearing the word, saying the word, and seeing the word.
Specific Instructional Suggestions For Our Featured Books:
The Greedy Triangle
Before: Begin by doing a picture walk with your child. See how many of the shapes he or she can identify, and explain the shapes your child does not know to him or her.
During: After the picture walk, read the story aloud to your child. As you read, stop before reading the name of the shapes. Point to the picture instead, and have your child fill in the shape's name.
After: Once you are finished reading the book, go on a scavenger hunt in your home. See how many of the shapes from the story your child can find in your home, such as a square rug, a triangular lampshade, or an octagonal table.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table
Before: Brainstorm the different shapes of tables - such as rectangular, square, octagonal, or circular. If you have the resources, have your child look up different pictures of tables to see the many different types. Then explain to him or her that this story is about a man named Sir Cumference, who must find the perfect shaped table for the King and his men.
During: Read the story aloud. As you read, stop on any pages where your table pictures match the shape in the story. Compare your tables to the ones in the book, such as your rectangular table to the book's rectangular table. Is one longer or skinnier than the other? Is one shorter or taller than the other?
After: Find something circular in your house, such as a table or stool. Measure the diameter, the radius, and the circumference of the object.