Raising Readers Miss Aida, Associate Librarian National Library Board
Agenda Why Raise a Reader The Basics of Raising a Reader Choosing the Right Books Resources for Parents eresources
Why Raise A Reader Reading is linked with... Expanded vocabulary Better text comprehension and grammar Better understanding of other cultures Greater insight into human nature and decision-making Source: Clark, Christina and Rumbold Kate. Reading for Pleasure: A Research Overview.
THE BASICS OF RAISING A READER
Source: Willinghan, Daniel. Raising Kids Who Read. 2015 Get started on the Reading Virtuous Cycle!
What is Read Well? A child that can read well should be able to do the following: Learn the sounds that letters make Understand what they read Be motivated to read
Learn the sounds that letters make Read classic nursery rhymes together Create games that emphasize sounds and letter recognition Alliterations: Pretty pancakes, Delicious drumsticks Making reading happen anywhere, anytime! Signs, Food labels, maps, instructions
Understand what they read Encourage your child to ask questions and express themselves Answer their questions! Read aloud to them
Be motivated to read Set up a reading corner at home Personal shelf for favourite books Be a good reading role model Choose the right books for your child
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOKS
5 FINGER RULE What to do: Pick a book. Open the book to any page. Put one finger up for each word your child does not know. 0-1: Too easy 1-2: Perfect choice 3-4: Give it a try 5 and more: Too hard
Identify Reader Types
Group 1 Avid Readers I like reading and I always will. Enjoy reading Like being identified as readers Strategies Stretch their reading appetite Encourage them to participate in book discussions Encourage them to read widely Plan to read in the future
Realistic Fiction Characters face obstacles and struggle to cope with everyday life. Mainly about hope, courage and making a difference
Horror Fiction Full of suspense and fear Characters include werewolves, ghosts and vampires
Adventure Fiction Create excitement and are all about beating the odds and surviving Contains elements of risk, danger and triumphs
Science Fiction Usually set in future or another planet where science plays a role Characters include aliens, robots, scientists and UFOs
Fantasy Fiction Explores the world of magic Storyline usually has a clear distinction between good and evil forces and the hero/heroine goes on a quest
Group 2 Dormant Readers I m too busy right now. Like to read but don t make time for it. Strategies Make reading purposeful Use magazines Tap on current events Have positive attitudes toward reading Will read for pleasure when they have the opportunity.
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Magazines Magazine features are short Grab your attention Entertaining Easy to read Lightweight and portable Focus on readers special interests Children loves to receive mail
Group 3 Uncommitted Readers I might be a reader, someday. Only see reading as a skill. Believe reading is boring Strategies Involve dialogic reading Use peer recommended reading materials Incorporate play Use non-fiction books Don t care for it much but could grow to like it
Dialogic Reading Prompts the child to say something about the book Evaluates the child s response Expands the child s response by rephrasing and adding information to it Repetition of prompt to ensure child has learned from expansion
Games (CDs & DVDs) Incorporate book-related games
Non-Fiction Provide interesting information beyond what is taught in class
Group 4 Unmotivated Readers I m never going to like reading. Express negative attitudes about people who read Actively dislike reading Strategies Hook them with their interests Use multi-media formats Use cool books and comics
Concerns over Comics Kids look at pictures only. Use of slangs Not serious reading, pure entertainment Inappropriate messages eg. violence
Possibilities One of the things I am very grateful to my father for that, contrary to conventional educational principles, he allowed me to read comics. I think that is how I developed a love for English and reading. Bishop Desmond Tutu, 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Comics Less text makes reading more achievable Pictures enhance understanding Stories seem more exciting more action
Books with multi-media formats
Group 5 Unskilled Readers I can t read. Does not identify as a reader. Strategies Use wordless picture books Read and move Normalize mistakes Defines reading as figuring out words. Select interest-related books with lower difficulty levels Get professional help
Wordless Picture Books Encourages children to make up their own dialogue Develop narrative skills
Wordless picture books
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
NLB eresources TumbleBook EBSCOHost Novelist
You can also borrow a selection of http://nlb.gov.sg/discovereads recommended ebooks!
Last words. Make reading seem like an incidental task Let them lead BELIEVE they can do it Be mindful that our reaction towards our children will affect their behaviour towards reading
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!