The Young Reader's Bill of Rights
I, as an aspiring Young Reader, have the right to...
1. Re-read the same book(s) as many times as I want - it helps build fluency. Do you think Michael Jordan learned how to shoot a basketball by doing it just a few times?
2. Listen to audio books; this way I'll hear what good readers sound like.
3. Use my finger and point out the words. It helps me focus and notice the details of writing (especially punctuation). As I get better, I'll point less frequently.
4. Skim, skip and look ahead while reading. And I can abandon a book I'm not enjoying (as long as it's not for school!). That's being smart, not stupid. Do you finish every book you pick up?
5. NOT to be grilled on a book when I'm finished. Reading isn't always a homework assignment- it's supposed to be FUN!
6. Read books that match my INTEREST, not necessarily my age. Just because a book says it's perfect for my age group doesn't mean I'll want to read it. If it's too difficult, I won't read it.
7. Read comic books, graphic novels, magazines and newspapers. You may find it boring, but maybe I don't. If I love it, I'll love reading.
8. Have lots of books to choose from. And if I don't like the first book I choose, who knows? Maybe I'll come back to it another time.
9. Be given time and a nice, quiet space to read, because reading needs to be developed.
10. Skip a word now and then if I don't recognize it. I'll probably figure out what it means from the rest of the sentence or paragraph; if not, I can look it up in the dictionary.
The 3-Finger Rule: If there are 3 (or more) words on a page they don't recognize, the book is too hard for them...now (!).
Top 5 Tips To Raising a Reader
Books for kids just learning to read should have:
1. Big print (it's less threatening).
2. Good use of color (it helps slow kids down).
3. Small chunks of text (it's less overwhelming).
4. Instructional/interactive text, such as nonfiction books and step-by-step guides (help comprehension).
5. Photos and illustrations (it grabs their attention AND provides clues to the story).
The Speed Bump Dilemma
(what to do when your kid comes across a word they don't know)
1. See if they can sound it out.
2. If they ask for help, simply give them the word OR skip it and come back to it after finishing the sentence. They may be able to figure it out within the context of the sentence.
3. If they give acceptable substitutes ("kitten" for "cat"), fine. But if the word is different ("read" instead of "road"), ask them to reread the sentence.
4. Pull out the dictionary. Yup, that's what it's for!
Here are a few tips and tricks to raise your own reader. Studies show that reading helps develop language, writing and logic skills, enriches lives, promotes imagination and opens new worlds. Children who read SUCCEED! Screen Watchers are followers and consumers, but Readers are leaders and producers. Which group do you want your child to belong to?!!! For more information, check out the websites listed at the bottom of the page. And keep on reading!
Helpful websites: (click on the link!)
www.readkiddoread.com : created by author James Patterson; a great collection of lists for children's age groups and some great tips (we especially like Judy Freeman's 12 Ways to Raise Readers under Educators/Lists)
www.guysread.com: -created by author Jon Scieszka; lists galore!
and www.readingrockets.org: TONS of helpful hints and tips for parents and educators
Read to your unborn child- studies show children in utero can hear you at about 20 weeks!
