First Grade Home Reading
This year we will be introducing the children to our Home Reading Program. The children will bring home a reading bag containing a few books they will select at school. They will keep these books for one week. We ask that you read with your child each night. It will really help your child become a better reader!
In first grade we frequently discuss choosing “good fit books”. These are books that your child feels comfortable with most of the words and is able to understand most of what is read. Please don’t be surprised if the books your child brings home seem very “easy”. Believe it or not, these are the books that help your child build fluency, accuracy, vocabulary and comprehension. In school, the children will work on building their reading stamina! Don’t be afraid to ask your child about this and practice at home! They enjoy the challenge! Please keep in mind that reading is a strategic process. Predicting, making mistakes, self-correcting and confirming are all part of the process. Particularly with emergent and beginning readers, familiarity, repetition and rhyme help children become successful readers. You may find that your child has memorized the book and is not really reading it. This is a normal part of reading development. If you find this is happening with your child, please allow them to continue to read the book, but encourage them to point to each word while reading. This helps the children recognize how to track words and work on their accuracy. I often let the students use popsicle sticks for this. They love it! |
Scholastic Book OrdersPlease check with your child's classroom teacher for information on placing an order from Scholastic Book Clubs! Remember... for every purchase you place online your child's classroom gets a free book!
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Here are some ways that you can help with your child's home reading:-Read at least 15-20 minutes every day. -Make sure that you have a special Home Reading time every day. -Listen to your child read something to you everyday. -Read a story, poem or a letter to your child every day. |
Keep in mind:- You may need to read the book to your child first or read along with them. -Be flexible with the way your child has chosen to read their book. -Talk about the story before you read it. Encourage them to take a “picture walk” and make predictions about the story or what may happen next. -When your child comes to an unfamiliar word, suggest reading the first part of the sentence over, looking at the pictures or using the beginning sound of the word. Using these clues helps your child problem solve and really helps to build their confidence when they figure it out on their own. It is OK to tell your child the word, but give them some time to practice using their reading strategies first. J -Follow your child’s lead and always keep reading a positive experience for all! |
Fun Fluency Station For Use At Home!
Click on the picture to the left to find a fun fluency station you can use with your child at home. We will also be using this station in our classrooms. This station will provide fabulous reinforcement for sight word and letter naming fluency and recognition! Please enjoy!