What to Do When Your Child Hates Reading

By Amy Mascott

Would your child rather empty the dishwasher or fold laundry instead of reading a book? Do you have to beg your child to sit down and read—for school or for pleasure? When you see other kids with their noses in books, do you wonder why you never see your own children doing the same? It’s hard to know how to react when your child hates reading, and even harder to figure out how to motivate children to read. Try these simple, but meaningful steps to help move your reluctant reader toward a book-filled future:

Zero in on the child’s interests. Before you do anything, take a step back and examine what interests, excites or intrigues your child. Knowing what interests him can help you pinpoint what types of texts he may enjoy reading.

Start small. Just because your child likes to ride horses doesn’t mean he needs to start by reading The A-Z History of Horseback Riding; that may be intimidating—especially for a reluctant reader. Instead, consider watching a horse race with your child. Talk about the jockeys, the scores, the owners and the trainers. The next day, read the box scores in the newspaper or watch a movie about horses, like Seabiscuit. Then, closely examine the box scores or find a short nonfiction article about a related topic, like the Triple Crown or famous jockeys like Red Pollard or George Woolf. An interactive, reliable, and safe resource online, such as American Experience: Seabiscuit, can also be an engaging and interesting bridge toward books for reluctant readers.If the topic of interest doesn’t lend itself to watching a related program or movie, start small by finding a magazine or graphic novel at the library that relates to the subject. Reading doesn’t need to begin with a chapter book; many other texts and various genres can be worthwhile for these readers.

Practice shared reading. Shared reading or reading as a collective experience could entail taking turns reading pages, sections or chapters, or you and your child silently reading the same book. Shared reading can vary depending on your child’s age and needs.Shared reading is an often-overlooked and underappreciated technique for engaging reluctant readers. Most kids really want to spend time with their parents, but once children reach seven or eight years old, many parents don’t view reading together as an option; they think that’s reserved for preschool or early elementary school days.
For the ideal shared reading experience, choose texts that are rich, engaging and sure to lead to discussion. Part of the “sharing” in shared reading involves talking about the book. Perhaps several of your child’s friends and their parents can start a book club where texts read through shared reading are discussed in a welcoming environment. If book groups are not an option, find a reliable, child-safe website where your child can post a review of that book or encourage him or her to start a book review journal.

Reluctant readers are often struggling readers, so creating safe, comfortable environments where fluent reading is modeled and where children are set up for success is key. Though there is definitely not an easy answer, with a little focus and direction, you can help give your child the reading boost he needs. It’s not magic, but every little step helps.

(from: http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/reading-tips/what-to-do-when-your-child-hates-reading/)

5 Reasons Why Books Make the Best Christmas gifts

I recently found this article and thought this was perfect to share with all of my families who are wondering what to give their kids for Christmas...my own son, Konner, is going to be receiving the book: "Merry Christmas Stinky Face" by Lisa McCourt from Santa!

5 Reasons Why Books Make the Best Christmas Gifts!

It’s that time of year again.
Christmas.
Chanukah.
The Holidays.
That means one thing: The mad scramble for gifts.
Whether you’re shopping for loved ones, office mates, friends, or acquaintances, finding that perfect something for someone can be a nerve-wracking task.
It doesn’t have to be, though.
Here are five reasons why books make the best gifts for everyone on your list.

5. Books are inexpensive.

Sure, some books can be as much as $50, but for as little as $10, you can get the perfect gift for someone.

4. You can personalize the book you give.

What makes a book really special is that you can write an inscription in it. It makes the book that you get for someone all the more personal.

3. A book will last a lifetime.

A toy will eventually be discarded and a sweater will wear thin. A book, though, will forever grace the person’s bookshelf. Every time they refer to the book that you gave them, they’ll remember you.

2. You can literally do all your shopping in one place.

Whether you stay home and shop online or you venture outside your house to a bookstore, you can get your shopping done in one place — and probably in one trip.

1. There’s nothing to worry about when buying a book.

When you buy a book for someone, that’s it. Wrap it, set it under the tree, and then watch the smile on the person’s face as they see the book you bought for them. You don’t have to worry about getting the wrong size, forgetting batteries, or hoping you got their favorite color.

(from: http://www.kallistipublishing.com/5-reasons-why-books-make-the-best-christmas-gifts/)

Holiday Reading Magic

Launch your new reader on a holiday adventure!

Beginning readers are always proud to show off their skills. Let your little one shine like a Christmas candle with this great game.

If you wish, teach your emergent reader to recognize some special Christmas words, like Christmas, happy, holiday, tree, star, and so forth. Choose your words carefully if this is a difficult task; pick words of dramatically different sizes, shapes and beginning letters for maximum success.

Now, start searching for words your child knows how to recognize. Look in cards, newspapers, and on decorations. Check marquees when you are out and about. Watch signs and printed Christmas carols. Celebrate together each time you find a word your child can read. Keep a list and watch it grow for the next few weeks. Your child will be pleased and amazed at the number of words he or she already knows how to read, and big ones, too! Nothing boosts self-confidence quite like this simple activity.

 

The Magic of Christmas Music

Many people underestimate the power of music in reading. Beginning readers often feel encouraged and learn a lot from reading the words to familiar songs, and, since most people know Christmas songs, this is a great chance to take advantage of this phenomenon.

Find copies of the words to Christmas music that have the words broken into syllables for singing. By presenting the words in broken up form, you will help beginning readers to see patterns in syllabication and vowel sounds. They will begin to learn about how to attack larger, unfamiliar words.

Songs don't have to be sung, either. Try reading them as a group, or dividing the lines to turn them into choral readings. A few that tell stories can even be presented as plays or puppet shows! Have fun!

 

(from: http://www.squidoo.com/christmasreadingforkids)

Why books aren't the only things your child should be reading...

I'm a big advocate of students reading anything and everything that is appropriate for them.  Be that magazines, (like "Ranger Rick" or "National Geographic for Kids,") newspapers, (the comic section of the Journal Sentinel is a perfect resource-there are short phrases galore!) brochures for fun places to travel, or my husband's favorite: graphic novels.  Graphic novels are similiar to comic books, but often have more text on the page, and are formatted like a book.  Often times, reluctant or struggling readers enjoy graphic novels because they can put down a graphic novel at any time and pick it up without having to read long pages of text.

Recently, I came across one of my favorite things to read: other teachers' blogs.  On one of these blogs, I read an article entitled "Why Graphic Novels Belong in Classrooms."  Here is a short excerpt from that blog.

"Reading is a complex activity at any age. For young adults it's less about decoding the words and far more about making deeper meaning and connections; still no less complicated...graphic novels are less taxing to one's focus. A story setting can be taken in visually and doesn't need to be built within the mind, the way character expressions are drawn can make a muttering tone easily understood, and multiple characters are distinguishable and effortlessly categorized. The net result is that young readers...can push students into the deep end of the reading comprehension pool for longer periods of time. Students can focus more on themes and symbolism because the art has removed so many of the other potentially dangerous pitfalls to understanding."
(from readingteacherct.blogspot.com)

Some examples of wonderful graphic novels to read at home and to encourage your child to check out of the library include:

More reading tips for parents!

Frequently Asked Questions Concerning Reading:

When should I stop reading to my child?

Never!!! Children of all ages reap the benefits of hearing a story read aloud. Read aloud to your children from birth (some studies suggest even before) through college. Many adults enjoy hearing others read aloud whether it is a passage from a novel, a poem or an excerpt from a newspaper or magazine article.

Is it OK for my child to read the same book/novel again?

Yes, just as adults sometimes enjoy hearing a good story again, so do children. Let your child have fun reading.

Should I force my child to finish a book before starting another?

Reading should be enjoyable. Don't force him/her to read a book that s/he doesn't enjoy. Your child's teacher or public librarian might be able to recommend some popular titles.

How can I get my child interested in reading?

This is a frequently asked question. Try a magazine subscription geared toward your child's age group. Try and find several books related to a topic in which your child shows interest. Don't force the books on the child, but make them available. Model reading and share your enthusiasm for a good book. Create an environment rich in literature.

How can I get my child to read more and spend less time watching TV/computer.

Television is fierce competition for children's free time. Be active in your child's TV viewing. Control the quantity and quality of the programs your child watches. Establish a daily reading time for everyone in the house. Turn off the TV.

 

-from:  http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/reading_tips.html

Sight words: Tips for Parents

Some nights I send home sight word rings. These are words that your child has been practicing to read in isolation, in books, and also to write. There are many things you can do to help your kids learn these essential words.
 

Try some of the activities listed below to help your child recognize basic sight words. Work for a few minutes each day.

What are sight words? The 220 Dolch Words comprise from 60% to 85% of the text in children's early reading materials.

BLIND PICK Place several sight words on a large poster board and hang it on the wall at your child's eye level. Like "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," tie a scarf around the child's eyes and spin them in place three times. Have them place their finger on a sight word on the poster. Remove the scarf and have the child read the word.

WORD SCAVENGER HUNT Hide sight words around the room.

SKIP JUMP WORDS Using lighter colored vinyl, cut out shapes, put a sight word on each one with a marker, and tape them to the floor. Your child can jump from word to word, saying each word as they land.

WORD WAR Write sight words on a stack of index cards. A parent or older sibling can play this game with the child. Each player takes turns flipping a card over and the first one to read the sight word wins that card. Parents should count to 10 slowly before telling their child the sight word.

OH NO! Write the sight words on note cards.  On one of the note cards, write "Oh No!"  Turn the note cards over and place them in a stack.  Ask your child to pick up one of the note cards.  If they can read the word, they can keep the card.  If they cannot read the word, tell your child the word and then put the card on the bottom of the pile.  Whomever picks the "Oh No!" card has to put all of their cards back in the stack. The person with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner!
*This is definitely one of the students' favorite games!*

UNIFIX CUBES Practice reading sight words that are taped onto the cubes. Make a tower of correct and incorrect words. Try the incorrect words again. Try to make a giant tower with all the sight words correct.

-More tips can be found on: http://voices.yahoo.com/sight-words-tips-parents-1895164.html?cat=25

The importance of practicing reading...

I had the wonderful opportunity to listen to the kindergarteners from Mrs. Bagurdes' and Mrs. Bohne's classes share their knowledge of the letters and the sounds the letters make on the reading wall!  The students in these classes have been working hard all year to learn their letters and sounds.  They are well on their way to becoming successful readers.  Now they can take their knowledge to begin to blend the sounds together to read "popcorn" words.  I'm soooo proud of them!


I'd also like to take this chance to thank my wonderful Title One readers for reading every night to the adults in their home.  Have you ever wondered why you have to read every single night?

Title One Reading Facts

Facts about Title One Reading

Q: How was my child selected for Title One Reading support?
A: All Jefferson Elementary students were given various school wide assessments and the results were evaluated across the grade level. After reviewing these scores, students were selected to receive this support by collaboration of classroom teacher, title one reading teacher and principal. Parents were then notified of recommended placement into Title One Reading support.
Q: Will my child miss important classroom instruction while receiving additional reading instruction?
A: The Title One teacher and your child’s classroom teacher work to schedule times when the student would not miss core instruction. Most times students are pulled out during stations or independent practice.
Q: How long will my child be in reading support?
A: The length of the intervention depends on how much progress is made and how quickly it is made.  Most students receive 13 weeks of reading help and some students make grade level benchmarks and are released from Title One Reading earlier than this. A few students will receive intensive reading intervention beyond the title one reading program with the reading teacher in a small group.  Once a child has been dismissed, he or she will continue to be monitored to ensure continued progress.

Building a Reader at Home

Parents often ask me how they can help their child grow as a reader at home.  The following tips are ones that I recommend!

Lots to celebrate in room 204!

Our first round of interventions have wrapped up and three second graders share with you some new learning about nonfiction features.  This new learning will help them to read nonfiction books with ease!

"I learned that photographs are real  pictures of a  person, place or a thing." By Kayla

"I learned that labels are words that explain the picture." By Camren

"I learned that maps are drawings of where plants, people, or animals live." By Anthony

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Wow! Jefferson was named as an Outstanding School for Excellent Participation in the West Allis Public Library Summer Reading Club for having the third largest number of readers that completed the library summer reading program from among the West Allis-West Milwaukee schools! The reading teachers shared  the West Allis library's summer reading program information last May at our literacy night and our K5 students also took a walking field trip to the library.  This award displays that reading should be done every day and in every season in order for children to grow as readers.  :)

_________________________________________________________

Congratulations to Camren M. and Nathaniel C. who no longer need Title One reading! These awesome readers have worked hard this quarter and are now reading in the middle level in their classrooms. Keep up the great work!

"Falling" for reading!

-A big thank you goes out to the boy scouts of pack 584 at Jefferson for helping to fill three boxes to the brim of gently used books! Through the donations of Jefferson students, our classrooms will enjoy reading these books!

-The PTA has begun their reading program for this year "Get Buggy for Reading".  Make sure to read each day and record your minutes and pages read to win some great prizes!

-Are you looking for some great books to read inside during these chilly fall days?  Check out these great books from the Jefferson and West Allis libraries:
The Little Scarecrow Boy by David Diaz
Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert
The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall

Congratulations to Hunter S. and to Lizzy S. who both have finished Title One reading!  Both of these fabulous readers have reached the middle reading group in their rooms and no longer reading support.  Awesome job!

What we do in Title One Reading class...

A typical lesson with 1-2 grade students looks something like this...(this is told from a student's point-of-view)

Fluent Writing Review

Before my 30 minute lesson begins, I get to write some words on the board. I’m learning to write little important words as fast as I can so that I can write them in my stories. It’s fun to write on the board!

Rereading Familiar Books

In every lesson I get to read lots of little books. I get to pick some of my favorite stories that I have read before. This is easy for me. I try to read my book like a story and make it sound like people are talking.

My teacher says, “That’s good reading; that’s how good readers read.”

Rereading yesterday’s New Book and Taking a Running Record

Now I have to read a book all by myself! My teacher will check on me and won’t help me unless I

have a hard problem. If I just can’t figure out a word or I get all mixed up, my teacher will tell me the word or say, “Try that again.” I read this book yesterday. My teacher helped me work hard to figure out the tricky parts. Now I think I can read it pretty good all by myself!

Letter Identification and/or Word Making and Breaking

Sometimes I need to do work on learning about letters or important “chunks” of words. My teacher

knows all about the things I need to learn. I like to move the magnetic letters around on the board;

they help me understand what I am learning.

Writing a Story

Every day I get to think up my own story to write in my writing book. I can write lots of the little words all by myself. My teacher likes my stories and helps me work to figure out how to write some of the words.

We use boxes and I say the word I want to write slowly so I can hear the sounds, and then I write the

letters in the boxes all by myself. I like to read my story when I’m done.

Cut-up Story to be Rearranged

I read the story and my teacher writes it on a long strip of paper. My teacher cuts up my story so I can put it back together. I have to think real hard to get it all back together. Then I have to check myself to see if I got it right. Most of the time I do!

New Book Introduced

I like this part of the lesson best! My teacher picks out a story just for me and tells me what the story is

all about. We look at the pictures and think about what the people and animals say in this book. My

teacher helps me think about some new and important words in my story. Isn’t it fun to hear about the story and look at the beautiful pictures before you read it? I think it helps me read the story too!

New Book Attempted

Now it’s my turn to work hard again, but I like this story and I know my lesson is almost over. When I

come to a hard part my teacher will ask me questions to help me think, or show me what I should try to think about or do. My teacher is trying to teach me all the things that good readers do. If I have to work real hard on this story, we will probably read it again together so I can just think about the story, but I’m not sure there is enough time.

Three of my second friends have been learning about using strategies to read nonfiction books during intervention time.  They are going to share what they learned about dinosaurs this week with you.

"There were dinosaurs with clubs on their tails." -by Cameron

"There were dinosaurs with long sharp claws and long sharp teeth." -by Anthony

"There were  dinosaurs with  horns." -by Kayla

Welcome back to school!

Welcome back to another wonderful school year at Jefferson!  I look forward to sharing this year with new faces as we learn reading strategies and read awesome books together.  Some great opportunities for learning about math, reading, technology, and more are coming to Jefferson.  Make sure to look for the Preparing for School Success flyers around school to learn more about how to be successful learners.  Also, make sure to stop by room 204 anytime to say hi!

Summer Reading Programs

It's important for children to read each day over the summer in order to maintain their great progress.  Below are some free reading programs available in the Milwaukee area that offer incentives :)

West Allis Public Library Summer Reading Program

Dream Big Read!

The 2012 Summer Reading Program will run from June 4th through August 25. By reading library books and/or magazines children can earn coupons to area attractions, activity sheets, and chances to win some special prizes. Read 100 books or read for 2000 minutes and earn a paperback book and more. Read at your own pace. Children who are read to can also join. Stop in the library to find out even more information.

Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program for Kids

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program for kids gives kids a free book when they read 8 books over the summer.

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program for 2012 is called Imagination's Destination.

How to Get Free Books From the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program:

Visit Barnes and Noble summer reading program to download and print a reading journal. Fill out the student information on the first page of the journal. A parent must sign on this page in order for the child to get a free book.

After your child reads a book they need to write down the title, author, and who they would recommend the book to and why in the reading journal. Your child will need to read 8 books to be able to get a free book from the Barnes and Noble summer reading program.

Bring the completed and signed reading journal into your local Barnes and Noble book store between May 22, 2012 and September 4, 2012. Present it to an employee and they will let your child choose a book from the free book list.

Types of Free Books Available From the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program:

There's a wide variety of free books available for kids from the Barnes and Noble summer reading program.

Children in grades 1-2 are eligible to receive one of the following books:

· Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

· Danny and the Dinosaur

· Fancy Nancy: Fancy Day in Room 1A

· Jorge el curioso: El jonron

· Lego Hero Factory: Meet the Heroes

· Martha habla: Martha hornea un pastel

· National Geographic Readers Series: Titanic

Kids that are in grades 3-4 can pick out one of these books:

· American Girl Series: McKenna

· George Brown, Class Clown #7: Attack of the Tighty Whities

· Half Magic

· Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters

· Lulu and the Brontosaurus

· The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Those children that are in grades 5-6 can choose from this list of books:

· Junonia

· The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

· The Phantom Tollbooth

· Smile

· Underwolrd Series #1: The Battle Begins

Other Features of the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program:

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program website also has parent and educator activity kits. These kits include fun activities about reading that can be completed with a child.

Limits to Be Aware Of:

The Barnes and Noble summer reading program is only available to school-aged children in grades 1-6.

Only one book is available for each child who completes a reading journal and choice must be made from the selected books available at the store.

Half Price Books Summer Reading Program for Kids

The Half Price Books summer reading program for kids 14 and under gives out free Half Price Books gift cards to kids who read for at least 300 minutes during June and July.

The Half Price Books summer reading program for 2012 is called Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program and it runs from June 1 to July 31, 2012.

Type of Reward Available From the Half Price Books Summer Reading Program:

If a child reads at least 300 minutes during June and July they can submit their reading log to get $5 worth of Half Price Books back-to-school bucks.

These back-to-school bucks can be used like a gift card to make a future purchase.

One lucky reader in each age group, per store, will be randomly selected to get $20 in Half Price Books back-to-school bucks.

How to Get Free Gift Cards From the Half Price Books Summer Reading Program:

Visit the Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program website, select the Downloads category and from there you can open up the Feed Your Brain reading log.

Each day your child reads during June and July have them write the number of minutes they've read on that day on the calendar located on the second page of the PDF file. They can add up the total June and July minutes at the bottom of the calendar.

After the child has read at least 300 minutes, fill out their name, age, total minutes, your initials, their age group, and your mailing information.

Cut out the completed part of the form and bring it into your local Half Price Books to get your free back-to-school bucks.

Limits to Be Aware Of:

Each child is limited to only $5 in Half Price Books back-to-school books.

The back-to-school bucks are valid from July 25, 2012 to August 31, 2012.

Noah's Ark Reading Program

Congratulations to the 90 Kindergarten-Grade 5 Jefferson students who participated in, and completed the Noah's Ark Reading program!  These super readers will receive a free ticket to use at Noah's Ark in Wisconsin Dells from May 26-July 20, 2012.  Awesome job!

Celebrating Earth Week

At Jefferson, we are currently celebrating Earth Week.  You can learn more about how to take care of the earth by reading some great books.  Make sure to check out our school's library or the West Allis Public Library to find these titles:

	50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by Earth Works Group
	Earth Book for Kids: Activities to Help Heal the Environment by Linda Schwartz
	Earth Day Birthday (Sharing Nature With Children Book) by Pattie Schnetzler, Pattie L. Schnetzler
	Earth Day--Hooray! (MathStart 3) by Stuart J. Murphy, Renee Andriani (Illustrator)
	Lets Celebrate Earth Day by Peter Roop
	Recycle! : A Handbook for Kids by Gail Gibbons
	The Garbage Monster by Joni Sensel, Christopher L. Bibins (Illustrator), Christopher Bivins (Illustrator)
	The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. Kleinowski's Title One Reading and Math blog!  I welcome any comments you have about the blog including any questions you may have about the Title One program.

I am free from 11:45-12:45 and then 3:30-3:40 every day to respond.

Have a wonderful day!