Hello from the Library. This week I will share some strategies for parents to assist their children in their reading at home. Below I have listed three types of 'modelled reading' recommended for the younger years:
Paired Reading: You and your child read a text together. Your child takes over the reading alone in sections where they feel confident. They may devise a method of letting you when they want to read independently (eg gently tapping you on the arm). For more difficult text you may take turns in reading sentences, paragraphs, or even pages of text - establish the rule before commencing.
Shared Reading: You read to your child and discuss various text features such as illustrations, headings and interesting words. Your child reads along while appreciating the print and illustrations. Your child may connect to the visual or oral language, builds print awareness, and gradually gains in confidence.
Choral Reading: You and your child read aloud in unison. You model fluency and expression. Your child hears patterns of language and develops sight word vocabulary. Poems for two voices, songs and simple scripts could be used.
For the older years I recommend to parents, to read the books (or ebooks) your children are reading. This will enable meaningful discussions and common interest points. Feel free to borrow and read some of the books below before recommending to your boys:
Skellig by David Almond
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Darius Bell and the Glitter Pool by Odo Hirsch
Frindle by Andrew Clements
Blueback by Tim Winton
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickets
Scatterlings by Isobelle Carmody
Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden
Crow Country by Kate Constable
The Golden Door by Emily Rodda
Warwick Norman
Junior School Teacher Librarian
