Did you know there is more to reading than reading? Technically, reading is a multifaceted process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. We have all heard of the four year old who is reading “Harry Potter”, right? Well, he may be reading the words, but chances are he does not understand the words he is “reading.” It is important to make sure your child is not only a fluent reader, but also comprehending what he reads. I believe comprehension often gets overlooked by not only parents, but teachers too. Comprehension has been described as the essence of reading by a leading reading researcher, Dolores Durkin.

Whether you have a preschooler or 4th grader, you can easily integrate comprehension techniques at home.

1. Ask your child questions as they read the book or you read a book aloud to them. Simple questions for the younger group: What do you think Fancy Nancy is going to do next? More challenging questions as they get older: Why did Chase sell the cows?

2. Bridge the gap between the print word and your child by asking them to tell you about how they feel about what happened or what would they do if they were in the situation.

3. Look at the cover of the book, the title, read the flap or back of the book…predict what is going to happen and why they think that will happen.

4. If they are independent readers, make sure they are reading at their level.

5. Reading takes practice. You must practice to get better. Set aside at least 15-20 minutes to read every day.

6. Make sure you have high interest reading material for your child to keep their interest level high and motivation going strong.

7. Make sure your child understands the words he is reading. Stop and ask him what a “new” word means.

8. Children need to see their parents reading for pleasure. Talk about something interesting that you read.

I know from first-hand experience how important reading comprehension is for children. My oldest son has been struggling with it for a few years. He recently started working with one of our reading specialists and we have already seen a tremendous gain in his confidence and skills. Little Scholars offers private and small group reading instruction to address reading issues like comprehension. For more information contact Little Scholars at sjefferson@littlescholarsllc.com

This is my favorite piece to write every year.  It is actually a sneak peek into what my children will be getting too.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything on this list.  So go ahead…happy shopping!

1. My all-time favorite gift is a summer camp gift certificate.  Over the past few years my mother in law has given my children a week of summer camp for their Christmas gift.
2. SLAP watch- No need for your child to figure out how to put the watch on and it is has a face (not digital) http://www.slapwatch.com/slap-watch-collection.html#original
3. Brain Food-silly putty that is all grown up!  SUPER cool and great stocking stuffer! http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/fat_brain_toy_co/brain_food.cfm
4. Digital Book Mark-It keeps track of how long your child has read.  Both of my boys are getting this for Christmas.  http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/mark_my_time/mark_my_time_digital_bookmark.cfm
5. No more gathering all the pillows and blankets in the house, Crazy Forts is here!  http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/everest/crazy_forts_69_pieces.cfm
6. Every child wants to be famous, now here is their chance by having their very own book.  http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/creations_by_you/illustory.cfm
7. REALLY BIG WORDS!  Magnetic words for kids.  http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/magnetic_poetry/really_big_words_for_kids.cfm
8. My very small elephant squeezed into a teeny tiny airplane…Rory’s Story Cubes.  HILIRAROUS! http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/gamewrightceaco/rorys_story_cubes.cfm
9. An oldie but goodie!  I am so glad they brought back the original version. http://www.fatbraintoys.com/toy_companies/winning_moves/the_game_of_life_classic_edition.cfm
10. A great book!  http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2011/childrens-picture#book/book-1

To see what we recommended in the past, click here Posted in Blog | Leave a comment

Ready, Set, Go…..you have 20 minutes of undivided attention from your child’s teacher to discuss their progress for the first part of the school year.  After the teacher has shared your child’s work and her assessments, here is a list of questions that will help you find out even more about your child’s school experience.

1. Do you feel my child is working to the best of his abilities?  This question allows the teacher to share what she sees in the classroom.  You may observe something completely different at home.  My middle son was described by his teacher to a tee…a little impulsive (okay, maybe a lot) and quick to want to finish his work, but she also noted he tends to be the one to push himself especially in math.  Who knew?!?
2. What is an acceptable amount of time for homework?  We all have heard the guidelines and to be honest it is taking more than two hours for your 3^rd grader to finish his homework.  PLEASE tell the teacher.  Ask her if there are acceptable modifications such as can he do the odd problems once we hit a certain time or can he type the spelling sentences on the computer?
3. What type of learner do you see my child being?  This is a very helpful and important question.  If you have a visual learner and you are always trying to explain something to him with no visual cues it can cause major conflict and confusion at home.   One student I work with is a very verbal learner and when teaching him concepts I relate it to a story because he remembers stories and it helps him when he needs to recall information.
4. You mentioned he is struggling with addition facts.  How can I help him at home?  Teachers have LOTS of great tricks up their sleeves.  We love to share these with parents.  By the way, math war is my all-time favorite game for reviewing math facts.
5. How are you preparing my child to study? Take a test?  This is important because you want to follow through with study skills.  Study skills are historically a difficult concept for children…teen agers…college students…you get my point.  They need to be practiced and reinforced at home.
6. Do you provide differential lessons and instruction for the variety of learners in the class?  Not every child learns the same.  You want to make sure your child’s learning style is being catered to during the school day.  For example does she follow verbal directions with visual cues, does she use manipulatives to demonstrate mathematic concepts.
7. What supports do you recommend to challenge or help with remediation? Teachers are an excellent source of ways you can enhance your child’s education whether it is with a specific program, tutor, app or computer program.  They are also good at helping guide you with what will work best for your child.
8. What is the most effective way for me to communicate with you?  All my children’s teachers are big emailers (whew!).  I like the written documentation of email, but some teachers prefer a phone call.
9. Who are my child’s friends?  The social part of school is a huge part of your child’s day.  The social circles in schools can play a key role in your child’s daily happiness.

Asking these questions at your parent teacher conference will give you better insight into your child’s education.