Saddle Rock Reading Room
Q: I think my child is memorizing his book. Should I cover the pictures and have him read it?
A: No, using pictures is a good strategy to help all beginning readers. Children learn to gain meaning from books by looking at pictures and thinking about the story. Rereading familiar books is a great way to build fluency.
Q: What are some things that I can say to my beginning reader when they got stuck on a word?
A: Look at the pictures. Think about what the story is about. Get your mouth ready to say the word. Look for chunks or patterns in the word. Does it look like a word you have seen before?
Q: My child picks books that are too challenging, then gives up after one chapter. How can I help make him a better reader?
A: Help him choose a few books at his reading level. (He should be able to read a full page without struggling with more than about five words.) Then let him pick his favorite. If he needs an extra boost, read part of it aloud. Consider taking turns reading to each other.
