Title I Newsletter
January 2014
Happy New Year!
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LITERACY!
Literacy involves more than reading – it is about reading, writing, speaking and listening. The National Reading Panel has identified five areas that children need to be skillful in to become good readers:
1. Phonemic Awareness
The ability to focus on and use phonemes (the smallest units of spoken language) in spoken words. The English language has 41 phonemes which combine to form syllables and words. Some words have only one phoneme (a or oh). Most words consist of a blend of phonemes, such as go with two (g and o), or check with three phonemes (ch e ck).
2. Phonics
Learning the alphabetic system or letter-sound relations and spelling patterns.
3. Fluency
Reading text with speed, accuracy, and proper expression
4. Comprehension
The goal of reading, that integrates the skills involved with reading and understanding what is being read.
5. Vocabulary
Knowing and understanding the words one is reading.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD DOES NOT WANT TO READ?
If your child doesn't want to read try these strategies:
Read a page or a line and then have the child read.
Select a funny book or one with a surprise at the end.
Let the child select a book.
If the child says the book is too easy (a “baby” book)
· Ask the child to read it with “expression” so he can read it to a younger child.
If the child says the book is too hard
· Choose a different book · Go down a level to an easier book.
Read a short passage and have the child reread that passage.
Read the beginning and have the child fill in some of the words, then gradually let him/her take over.
Comes to an unknown word and stops - Pause to give the child time to think, then say:
- Read to the end and then come back to this word.
- What sound does the word begin with?
- What sound comes next?
- What would make sense here?
- Do you see a pattern or small word? (Frame it with your fingers.) For xample: kick(ing) or become (be)(come).
Gets restless or squirmy ·
· Choose another book.
· Stand up and stretch with your child.
· Finish reading the book to your child.
APS TITLE I READING
Email: mgilliland@arabcityschools.org
Website: www.arabcityschools.org
Location: 121 Mimosa Street Northeast, Arab, AL, United States
Phone: 256-586-6005