Tips for Independent Reading.
Today I'm going to share a little tip that I use with my eight-year-old twins. Now, my eight-year-old twins are a little below grade level in their reading, and that has a lot to do with their effort. It's not something they enjoy. There's a lot going on in their lives, and I'm hesitant to push them too hard into reading because I don't want them to grow up hating it. So, I'm allowing them to find their groove on their own.
They're capable readers—they just don't practice as much as they should. So we set a 10-minute daily reading goal. They have to reach this limit in order to watch TV, use their iPads, or have any type of screen time. They can either read to me or my wife, or read on their own. I typically like them to do a little bit of both during the week.
Reading on their own is important because it helps them build confidence in their reading skills and helps you gauge their growth as a parent. But they’re still at a stage where they need help. So, I have them set a timer on the Alexa, and mark down the page they start on and the page they end on. While reading, they can ask for help with words or circle any words they have trouble with and ask at the end. One of my girls’ circles–– the other asks for help.
After they’re done, they come to me and bring the book. They tell me what pages they read, and then I read those same pages myself. I ask them to tell me about what they read or ask them specific questions to make sure they understood it. Then I go over all the words they struggled with. I help them sound them out and make sure that the next time, those words won’t be circled.
Reading can be challenging to learn. It is mentally draining, and kids don’t like to give their attention to something that drains them. Setting small, manageable goals that help build skills and good habits is key. If your child is struggling to practice reading, try this out. Or if you come up with another idea, please share!
The next Very Flannel Dino Story Time is just around the corner. Thursday, June 19th at Vita Nova in Nokesville, VA., from 10 AM to 11 AM. Hope to see you there!
Peace and Love,
Jeff Mayhugh