Growing Readers!
Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents can
do with their children. Reading aloud builds many important foundational
skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading,
and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about.
Getting the Most Out of Nonfiction Reading Time Reading
together remains one of the most important things adults can do with their
young learner. Today, recommendations include reading information or nonfiction
books with much more regularity. Nonfiction books present many opportunities to
learn new concepts and vocabulary, as well as broaden a student’s view of the
world. Nonfiction books are written differently than picture books in that there
are often more pictures, graphics, charts and photographs included within the
pages. Parents can ease the transition into more nonfiction reading by
encouraging your child to preview a book before reading and to be an active
reader who asks lots of questions. Take a “Book Walk” One great way to make
predictions about an unfamiliar nonfiction text is to take a “walk” through the
book before reading. By looking closely together at the front and back cover,
the index, table of contents, the glossary, and the photographs or other
images, readers can start to get a sense about the topic. This scanning and
skimming helps set the expectation for the reading. Take the time to walk
through the book before starting to read. Encourage Questions A second way to
develop more understanding with nonfiction books is to encourage your child to
be an active reader who asks lots of questions. Parents can model these
behaviors by talking or thinking out loud as you turn the pages of the book.
This is a helpful way for your child to see and hear what a successful reader
does when faced with difficult or unfamiliar topics. For example, “When I
looked at this photograph, I asked myself, “Where is Antarctica? Is that the
same place as the South Pole?” Then talk together about how and what you would
need to do to find the answer to the questions. This will reinforce that many
questions can be answered by reading a text closely and by paying attention to
captions and picture titles. Some children enjoy writing their questions on sticky
notes and working to answer them during the reading. Previewing a text and
asking questions are two terrific ways to navigate nonfiction texts. Enjoy
spending more time with some fascinating informational books!
Enjoy,
Nora Sierra
Early Childhood Assistant Principal
Grade 1 Teacher
Discovery School
(504)221-7790
(504)221-7791(fax)
(504)9500-1720(school cell)
(504)9985-0732(mobile)
