Reading is an important part of our day in Kindergarten. We read poems, chants, rhymes, tongue twisters, riddles, and stories throughout the day. As summer approaches, I am often asked by parents about the activities they can do with their children. The short answer: reading! Many of you already snuggle with your little ones and read a book before bed. It's a great opportunity to teach your child about oral language, the direction of print, reading comprehension, and new vocabulary. Here are some activities and questions that I use while I read with your children. I encourage you to try them.
The best questions are open-ended questions. I do not use questions where students may answer "no" or "yes". Open-ended questions allow children to practice their oral language skills (a foundation for future reading success) and use high-order thinking skills.
Looking at the Front Cover
-What do you think the book will be about? Why do you think that? (Predicting- a reading comprehension strategy)
-What do you wonder? (This allows children to ask their own questions. For instance, if the front cover has a picture of a monkey crying, the child may state: "I wonder why the monkey is crying."
While reading the story
-Have your child track the print with their finger while you read. (Learning about direction of print)
-What do you think will happen next? Why do you think that? (Predictions)
-How do you think the problem will be solved?
-How does the character feel? Can you think of a time that you felt like that? Explain. (Making connections-Reading comprehension strategy)
-Does this remind you of another story we have read? Why? (Making connections- Reading Comprehension Strategy)
After the Story
-Revisit their original predictions. Discuss if their predictions matched the outcome of the story.
-Have them identify the setting, characters, problem, and solution.
-What was your favorite part of the story? Why?
Learning New Vocabulary
After reading a story a few times, identify one or two new words for your child. Explain and give a definition and then use it in a sentence Then, have them explain the meaning of the new word, say it, and use it in a sentence. Children need to build up their vocabulary!
