1. KINDERGARTEN PARENT LITERACY NIGHT JANUARY 15, 2014 Understanding the Reading Continuum

2. Developmental nature of reading Learning to look at print is developmental in nature much like talking, walking, eating, riding a bike... Children progress through the stages in the same way but not at the same time. Children learn best when they are reading and writing for real purposes and audiences. Goals for reading and writing should be developmentally appropriate; challenging but achievable. Avoid Diary of a Wimpy Kid syndrome.

3. The role of adults in supporting the reading process Be supportive, interested and engaged! Allow children to figure things out on their own. Use prompts to encourage risk-taking and independence! Read aloud to your child every day! Plan “reading related” activities: library, book store, plays... Fill “down time” with books: riding in the car, waiting at the doctor’s office, before bed... Encourage reading time and allow it to grow!

4. What an emergent reader looks like Looks at pictures in books. Talks through the story by using pictures as a guide. Typically occurs in ages 4-6 Participates in choral reading of familiar books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Are usually highly motivated to learn to read! May move through this stage quickly.

5. What a transitional reader looks like Focus is shifting to print. Typically occurs in ages 5-7 Rely heavily on pictures and patterns to read. Adults often believe children are not really reading during this stage because they compare them to readers at a later stage of development. Keep in mind the developmental nature of reading and encourage readers to:  Look at the pictures  Think about the story pattern  Notice some familiar star words  Point at each word with their finger to develop one-to-one match.

6. What a beginning reader looks like Rely more on print than pictures Typically occurs in ages 6-8 Developing use of meaning (through pictures and story), structure (through syntax and language) and visual cues (through phonics-beginning sound, ending sound and middle sounds) Knows many sight words which serve as anchors to support their reading. Are developing a process for reading through strategic behaviors.

7. What an advanced beginning reader looks like Integrating meaning, structure and phonics cues and checking them one against another. Typically occurs in ages 7-9 Is becoming more efficient as a reader through chunking word parts. Can begin to read silently Is developing more thoughtful comprehension of stories. Will learn new vocabulary through reading.

8. How to use the reading continuum Notice the stage your child is in. Look at the indicators, strategic behaviors and comprehending strategies listed in that stage. Notice when your child begins to show signs of advancement and encourage the new reading behaviors. Realize your child may stay in some stages longer than others. Read to and with your child often. If you have concerns, talk to your child’s teacher!