Training up Literary Kids: Reading Strategies that Work
Training up Literary Kids: Reading Strategies that Work
One of the most important skills that a child will ever learn is how to read. Someone once said that in the early years, we teach our kids to learn to read, while in later years they will read to learn. Think about how much time was spent in school and homework time reading textbooks, workbooks and information that the teacher wrote on the board for us. Without the proper reading skills, kids will also find themselves at a disadvantage in subjects like science, social studies and even math. Since reading is the core academic skill, it is essential that teachers and parents find reading strategies that work with their kids.
Before Reading Strategies
Reading strategies that work begin to occur before a student ever opens a book. At this point, the readers can study the title, and begin to make predictions regarding what the book is about based on this title. They might consider what the author's purpose was in writing the story. They may scan the pages of the book, looking for clues as to what the plot is about and how the story is written. This first reading strategy will help to prepare the reader for what is to come, and get him to think about what the story of the book will entail before a single word is read.
During Reading Strategies
This phase of reading strategies that work is where the book is actually read, and will include utilizing tools that will help the students to recognize words, understand vocabulary and actually read through the text. Sometimes, students will be asked how to best resolve a conflict that occurs in the book, or perhaps to predict the outcome of a certain situation. There may be time for rereading some of the parts of the text if this is necessary for clarification and comprehension.
After Reading Strategies
This is the part of reading strategies that work that will allow students to truly digest what is read. This might include quizzing students on comprehension facts or it may be to simply discuss how the book made them feel or why they did or didn't like it. At this point, students may want to reread certain passages to clarify and gain deeper meanings from the text.
By employing the use of these various reading strategies that work for students, teachers and parents can help kids to become the best readers that they can be. And better readers will make for better students overall. Happy reading!