Home Reading has Commenced!

I'm sure by now you have located your child's very first home reader. We started the Home Reading Program today, and although the accompanying letter explained everything in detail, here are a few things you need to know:

1. Home readers will be changed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

2. If you are not confident your child is ready to change their reader, don't feel obliged to send it in. 

3. Encourage your child to read the book several times in the couple of days he/she has it. 

4. Encourage your child to use the pictures to read the text. These readers are designed in such a way that pictures help the reader follow the text. 

5. Don't be concerned if your child seems to have memorised the text. Reading a book from memory is one of the first strategies that is taught. 

6. Don't be concerned if your child finds the text too easy. Home reading is about building confidence and fluency. 

7. Discuss the text with your child. Try to locate sight words and talk about the sounds different letters make. Ask her/him questions that require them to show an understanding of what they have read. 

Make reading a special, "together" time. Snuggle up, find a quiet moment, listen and praise your child for their efforts.