We are Super Readers!
Our kindergartners are Super Readers and have reading powers! Reading with beginner readers can be a challenge at home. We see them look at the pictures, "guess", memorize the pattern, etc. and we think they aren't really "reading". Although it may seem like your child is not reading the words like you are expecting them to, many good skills are likely occurring when your child is engaging in these activities.
Beginner readers use multiple skills when reading and we teach these as super powers. The below super powers are skills we teach students to use when they are reading independently.
Pointer Power- Students use their pointer power when they point to every word they read. Even if a student has memorized the pattern of their book it is still important that they read and point to every word. Every time they point to the word they look at the word, memorize the word, and pay attention to how the word is made up.
Snap Word Power- Snap words are words you can read in snap! These are our sight words. These words should be memorized. If there is a sight word your child struggles with in their reader make a flash card for them to practice.
Picture Power- When students use the picture to identify an unknown word they are using their picture power. If your child gets to an unknown word, tell them to look at the picture and then reread the sentence to see if it makes sense.
Sound Power- Another skill students use when they come to an unfamiliar word is their sound power. Sometimes a lot of words could make sense in a picture and we have to use another power. If your child attempts to read a word and it makes sense because of the picture but isn't quite right, have them look at the first letter to see what sound it starts with. For example, if the book reads 'I can see a plane.' your child might read "I can see a jet.". Jet would probably make sense when using the picture on the page. This is when you can let your child know that jet makes sense but not the word on the page. Let them know they need to use their 'sound power'. Can they think of a word that starts with "p" and would also make sense?
Some students are able to sound out multiple sounds, but all students can look at the initial sound of a word.
Reread Power- When students get stuck or misread a sentence it is important that they go back and reread. I teach our students that this is a skill that all good readers do. This often comes naturally, but a great skill to remind your child of if they do not do it.
Book Talk Power- Super Readers talk about what they have read. It is important for your child to talk about each book they read. This is when students retell the story, make a connection, talk about their favorite part, and discuss characters and their feelings.
Partner Power- Super Readers can read with a partner. When students read with a partner they put the book in the middle and take turns reading the pages. They support each other in using all the other super powers.
Persistence Power- Super readers use all their powers and never give up. Reading is a process that takes a lot of practice.
Many of our Beach Buddies are at the very beginning stages of reading and they all love reading in varying degrees! Utilize these super powers at home and praise your child when they are using any or all of these important reading skills. Also remember that these will not all be mastered at once. Try to work on these skills as they arise.
-Bennett
