Helpful Reading Tips will continue to be added to this page...
Click to download the file (visual above) on the right titled "Reading at Home..."
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Test Taking Strategies
Before our students take ANY test or assessment, we teach them these strategies to help make it more manageable and productive.
2. Underline the question and circle keywords.
If you’ve underlined the question, you’ve read it. If you’ve circled keywords, you know what you are looking for. “Keywords” include words like “setting, main character, main idea, synonym, same, summary, problem, solution, and text evidence.” Your child will continue to learn and practice these words regularly.
3. Read the Passage two times. Underline or circle things in the passage that you remember reading about in the questions.
Reading the passage two times and underlining and circling things will help students to easily find the text evidence when answering the questions.
4. NOW, answer the questions.
Once you have completed all of the above, answering the questions should be easy. You may ALWAYS go back to the text to find answers.
Before our students take ANY test or assessment, we teach them these strategies to help make it more manageable and productive.
- READ ALL QUESTIONS FIRST.
2. Underline the question and circle keywords.
If you’ve underlined the question, you’ve read it. If you’ve circled keywords, you know what you are looking for. “Keywords” include words like “setting, main character, main idea, synonym, same, summary, problem, solution, and text evidence.” Your child will continue to learn and practice these words regularly.
3. Read the Passage two times. Underline or circle things in the passage that you remember reading about in the questions.
Reading the passage two times and underlining and circling things will help students to easily find the text evidence when answering the questions.
4. NOW, answer the questions.
Once you have completed all of the above, answering the questions should be easy. You may ALWAYS go back to the text to find answers.
Fluency
* Echo Reading- Fluent reader reads a sentence. The child echoes the sentence using the same expression and rate.
* Choral Reading- Fluent reader and child read together using expression.
* Buddy Reading- In pairs, readers take turns reading sections of the text. They provide feedback on fluency while reading.
* Audio-Assisted Reading- Child listens to the audio (CD, mp3, iBook, book on mobile device) first. Then the child reads quietly while listening again imitating the expression on the recording.
* Repeated Reading- Child chooses a portion of text to read. Fluent reader provides feedback about rate and expression. Child rereads the text several times at appropriate rate and with appropriate expression.
* Shared Reading/Read Aloud- Fluent reader models reading aloud. Child is encouraged to join in when able.
* Readers' Theater- This is similar to a play, except there are no props or costumes. Readers read a script with expression. Readers can practice and then perform the script.
* Echo Reading- Fluent reader reads a sentence. The child echoes the sentence using the same expression and rate.
* Choral Reading- Fluent reader and child read together using expression.
* Buddy Reading- In pairs, readers take turns reading sections of the text. They provide feedback on fluency while reading.
* Audio-Assisted Reading- Child listens to the audio (CD, mp3, iBook, book on mobile device) first. Then the child reads quietly while listening again imitating the expression on the recording.
* Repeated Reading- Child chooses a portion of text to read. Fluent reader provides feedback about rate and expression. Child rereads the text several times at appropriate rate and with appropriate expression.
* Shared Reading/Read Aloud- Fluent reader models reading aloud. Child is encouraged to join in when able.
* Readers' Theater- This is similar to a play, except there are no props or costumes. Readers read a script with expression. Readers can practice and then perform the script.
Click here for 11 Alternatives to Round Robin Reading
Click here to check out Three Free (ish) iPad Apps for Narrating Stories.
Encourage Reading with Fun Activities
Try some of the following activities with your child to help build and interest in reading!
- Listen to books on CD or audio-books. This is a good way to show reluctant readers how interesting books can be. Your child can follow along with the book while he/she listens. Some book "apps" even highlight the words as they are read aloud.
- Watch the movie. Watch a movie that was based on a book. How are they alike? How are they different? Which one do you like better?
- Subscribe to a magazine or online newsletter. Allow your child to subscribe using his/her name. It can be very exciting to receive "snail mail." Try Highlights or Time for Kids!
- Follow a recipe. You can allow your child to read and follow the recipe. This helps with reading AND math skills. You could also try to put a simple piece of furniture together using your child's reading skills. This shows how important it is to read the words accurately.
- Take a field trip. Do research online on attractions in our area (How about the Science Center or the Natural History Museum?). Many of these places have a FREE day or offer coupons. Let reading materials be your "tour guide."
- Create a reading area. How about a tee-pee or a tent? Maybe a spot with fluffy pillows and special lighting? Use Pinterest to check out how some teachers and parents create their own special reading spot.
- Create a webpage or blog with your child. This will help with reading AND writing skills. Plus, it's fun AND a great way to share things with grandma and grandpa. "Check out my website grandma!" Use a website provider like weebly.com (all you need is an email address to create two free websites!).
- If you already have a family website or blog page, use Shelfari. Using Shelfari by Amazon.com, you can add a virtual shelf of books you've read together as a family.
- Listen to books on CD or audio-books. This is a good way to show reluctant readers how interesting books can be. Your child can follow along with the book while he/she listens. Some book "apps" even highlight the words as they are read aloud.
- Watch the movie. Watch a movie that was based on a book. How are they alike? How are they different? Which one do you like better?
- Subscribe to a magazine or online newsletter. Allow your child to subscribe using his/her name. It can be very exciting to receive "snail mail." Try Highlights or Time for Kids!
- Follow a recipe. You can allow your child to read and follow the recipe. This helps with reading AND math skills. You could also try to put a simple piece of furniture together using your child's reading skills. This shows how important it is to read the words accurately.
- Take a field trip. Do research online on attractions in our area (How about the Science Center or the Natural History Museum?). Many of these places have a FREE day or offer coupons. Let reading materials be your "tour guide."
- Create a reading area. How about a tee-pee or a tent? Maybe a spot with fluffy pillows and special lighting? Use Pinterest to check out how some teachers and parents create their own special reading spot.
- Create a webpage or blog with your child. This will help with reading AND writing skills. Plus, it's fun AND a great way to share things with grandma and grandpa. "Check out my website grandma!" Use a website provider like weebly.com (all you need is an email address to create two free websites!).
- If you already have a family website or blog page, use Shelfari. Using Shelfari by Amazon.com, you can add a virtual shelf of books you've read together as a family.