Junior School Home Reading Program Reading that takes place at home supports and consolidates the explicit teaching of reading strategies which are fostered daily within the school curriculum. Home Reading is encouraged from Prep to Year 4 as the most important manner in which parents can support their child’s learning. Parents are encouraged to read to their child, read with their child and listen to their child read on a regular nightly basis. The Home Reading Program is a shared experience which unites both parents/guardians and the school in assisting students to become proficient readers. Please be aware that the books brought home for reading are generally a level or two below a student’s instructional reading level. The Home Reading books should not be overly challenging for the students as Home Reading should be a time to create a love of reading and to share reading knowledge with family members. It is not a time to teach children at home.
Home Reading Expectations • The Home Group Teacher will ensure that each student takes home a ‘Just Right’ book on a daily basis; • The Home Reading text title is to be recorded by family members and/or the student in the Reading Journal each day; • Comments relating to the daily Home Reading experience may also be recorded by family members and/or the student; • The Home Group Teacher will monitor the books being recorded daily in the Reading Journal; • The Home Group Teacher will ensure that a choice of appropriate Home Reading books are available within the classroom in order for the students to select a book independently at their level; • Students are responsible for returning their book and selecting another on a daily basis (unless this is a novel which may then be kept for a longer period of time).
Tips for Home Reading • Give your child time: Pause for 5 seconds before you step in. • Prompt: give a clue (What is the first letter? Look at the picture for clues, back-up and re-read etc). • Praise every effort. Be specific, e.g. “You looked at the picture to read that word, that was great!” or simply, “I loved hearing you read that story.” • Re-tell the story in your own words. • Question for deep understanding; “Why do you think the character felt that way?” etc. • There are times when your child will read to you, you will read to them or you will share the reading together, all are acceptable in the Home Reading Program. Remember – this is not a teaching session, but a time for the students to practice their level of reading or to share books and stories with an adult or older sibling.
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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
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