Reading to learn: how to get the most from reading with your children
Most schools recommend that you have your child read to you every day. While – in theory – I couldn’t be more keen on this idea, as a busy parent of two I know – in reality – this is incredibly tricky if not impossible!
That said, learning how to improve upon the time you do get to hear them read, or even when you’re reading to them, can really help them with their literacy at school – especially when Key Stage 1 SATS are looming.
An important aspect of the English SATs is reading comprehension, when your child reads to a teacher or teaching assistant, and they are asked questions around the story. Doing the same at home will not only prepare them for this specifically, but is generally a great habit to get into as it will help turn them into enthusiastic, critical, mindful readers who enjoy and appreciate stories on an intellectual level.
Below are some questions to get you started. Once you get used to incorporating such questions into the routine, they’ll come naturally!
|
Questions while selecting a book: • Why did you want to read this book? |
|
Questions prior to reading the book: • What is the title of this book? |
|
Questions while reading the book: • What has happened so far? What do you think might happen next? |
|
Plot questions after reading the book: • What happened in the beginning? |
|
Character questions: • What do we learn about X in the beginning of the story? |
|
Appreciation questions: • Did you enjoy this story? |
Words and concepts to introduce and use when reading stories with your child:
|
|
Learn more about creating a reading-friendly home to encourage your child to pick up and read a new book, and find out 10 ways that you can bring books to life for your child.
