Becoming an Active Reader Presented by: B. Goodrich, Reading Specialist P. Rotatori, Reading Teacher J. Gallucci, Reading Assistant E. Pruchnicki, Reading Assistant

What kids say… What is reading? Something that can get you money and a job. Saying your ABCs Difficult at first then gets easy Learning words Allows you to gain knowledge What makes a good reader? Using the reading strategies Sounding out words Reading fast Knowing all the words Reading aloud without making mistakes Pronouncing words correctly Likes to read Doesn’t always switch books

How can I read so that I remember and understand what I read??? ACTIVE READING

Genres of Literature: Realistic Fiction – Stories that take place in modern times. The characters are involved in events that could really happen Historical Fiction – Made up stories that take place in a particular time period in the past Non-Fiction – Based on fact Fantasy – A fiction that contains elements that are not realistic, such as talking animals and magical power Biography – Factual stories about real people from the past or present Autobiography – A person writes about his / her own life Science Fiction – Includes futuristic technology blending scientific fact & fiction Poetry – Verse written to evoke thought and feeling from the reader. It often uses rhyme & rhythm Folklore – Includes stories, myths, and fables that people told each other over the years.

Learning Style + Genre + purpose for reading = strategy

3 Strategies to become a more active reader: ABC Summary / Alpha boxes Coding the Text Making Questions (with headings) Making Predictions Read, Cover, Remember, Retell Key Word Strategy-DRP Making Connections & Background Knowledge

Motivating your child Play board games. Scrabble or Boggle are specifically good for building vocabulary and spelling. Collect trading cards. Most include facts that encourage kids to read more about their hobbies. Learn how to…Is there something your child would really like to do, such as perform magic tricks? Encourage her to find out how by reading about it. Get cooking. Invite your child to help you bake a cake or a meal together. If necessary, simplify & rewrite a recipe’s instructions so he can read it to you. Also try kid cookbooks. Make cards. Have your child make her own cards for holidays & birthdays, party invitations, and thank you notes. Help her write a personal message to each recipient.

Motivating your child Take a road trip. Write down travel directions and have your child serve as navigator when you drive. Give your co-pilot a map before you go and ask her to mark the route according to the directions. Put on a play. Start a Family Book Club – After visiting the library and reading, each person tells about the book he/she has read. Read the same book as your child. Talk about what is happening to each other. Keep a book ready – Whether you are in line at the bank drive in, or waiting to see the doctor, have a book ready to pass the time. Give books as gifts – There is no better way to show that books are important to you than to give books as gifts. Give Choices – Let your child read what interests him / her (comic books, magazines, sports books, etc) Help your child choose books that are at appropriate level. Ask lots of questions and talk about books.

HOMEWORK TIPS: Establish a regular time for homework. If no homework has been assigned, suggest revisiting class notes, previewing a chapter, or reading ahead. Pick a place to do homework Remove distractions Show interest in your child’s work and ask questions. “What as the best thing that happened today?” or “What did you read in class?” Make sure your child gets enough sleep so he/she is ready to learn Set an example. Let your child see you reading the newspaper, balancing your checkbook, etc. Help your child find a homework buddy who they can call to check assignments, ask for help, review for tests, etc. Don’t hesitate to ask for help Contact the school with your concerns Keep communicating with the teacher (homework assignment book, notes)

Thank you for coming to Literacy Night! Brenda Goodrich – Reading Specialist Pam Rotatori – Reading Teacher Janet Gallucci – Reading Assistant Elaine Pruchnicki–Reading Assistant