Reading Checkup Guide - Reading

Written by Dr. Bob Myers

Kindergarten through grade 2

Beginners stumble over words they don't know, sounding them out or guessing from their use in the sentence. Children in this stage of reading development need to see progress and often learn best through repetition. After rereading a sentence or simple book, they'll recognize more of the words and read more smoothly.

Does your child...

1. Try to sound out words?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

2.

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Guess at a word from its meaning or use in the sentence?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

3. Use what they know about letter sounds to spell words?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

4. Seem eager to read independently?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. very eager

Can your child...

1. Read and use punctuation, such as periods and question marks?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

2. Recognize and read familiar words outside of books?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

3. Retell a story in specific detail?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

4. Reread a sentence or story with expression?
a. not yet b. sometimes c. often

Not to worry! It's okay if your child...

• Doesn't notice or correct all mistakes.
• Reads without expression. When your child can get past the words and focus on meaning, expression will follow.
• Makes logical spelling mistakes. Beginners spell words the way they hear them.

How you can help...

• Let your child gradually share some of the reading aloud. You read a sentence, paragraph or page, then it's your child's turn. Take over if your beginner seems tired or discouraged so that reading continues to be enjoyable, not just hard work.
• If your child can't sound out a word, suggest skipping it, reading the rest of the sentence, and deciding what word would make sense.
• Leave notes for your child to discover and read on the refrigerator or in a lunch bag.
• Take your new reader to the library to sign up for his or her own library card. Book shelf
• Read-aloud books with stronger plots and higher vocabulary
• Easy-to-read books your child can read alone
• A variety of genres, including nonfiction and poetry