Nightly Reading: To, With, or By

Their are many ways to read books. At school, we listen to stories that I read aloud, the children share books as they buddy read, or the children learn to read in their heads as they begin to independently read.  

So far this year, my crew has become wonderful listeners of great stories, and they are kind buddy readers who love sharing their favorite books.

Beginning this week, I will teach them how to read independently.  It takes practice to learn how to read in our heads!  At first some of them may need to continue to whisper read out loud.  That's ok!  They will grow as we go.  

At this time I can expect them to independently read around 10 minutes.  By the end of the year they should be able to go at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading.  You can support your child by helping them practice this kind of reading now at home.

 I want to share the 3 kinds of reading that can be practiced at home each night as your child brings home their first reading books. 

 Reading aloud to your child is a way to grow your child as a reader.  Reading with your child is another.

When you read with, you could share the book by you reading one page, your child reading the next. This is often the way your child may choose to read right now as they are tired after a long day at school:) Finally, the reading can be done by your child. 

Important! Even with eager independent readers, reading aloud to your child will be important as they gain vocabulary and background knowledge of our world. Never stop reading aloud to your child! I want the nightly reading to be a snuggly, loving time. Choose whatever way that meets your child's needs.