Quick Tips from the Teacher

Make sure that your child is reading everyday for at least 30 minutes (no exceptions!) This is how they are going to practice becoming better readers. 

Have them read different types of books.

• non-fiction (informational books)
• fiction (make believe books)
• kids magazines
• poetry for kids (helps with fluency)

A good way to get different types of books are to go to the Public Library; it's FREE!!! 

Here is my quick tip to see if your child can read the book if they do not know their ZPD:

The FIVE FINGER Method:

1. Open to a page of the book. 
2. Begin reading.
3. Each time you come up to a word you don't know, hold up one finger.
4. After you finish reading the page, check to see how many fingers you are holding up. 

0-1 fingers       2-3 fingers         4-5 fingers 

Too easy         Just right           Too hard