(dup) 30 Day Reading Plan: Week 1

Week 2: Inferencing

Understanding a text requires more than just understanding the words.  Good readers use inferencing skills as they read in order to visualize the world that the author is describing.

In this second week, we will practice developing inference skills.  Best of all, your child will learn to develop multiple inferences per sentence — just like they need to do when reading.

  • Day 1

    For today’s activity, you’ll need the Happy Frog Inference Ace app.  If you don’t have it, links are available in the Resource list on the right.

    The app is simple to use, so just sit down and hand the iPad/phone over to your child.

  • Day 2

    Today we are going to do modeled reading.  Hearing and copying a fluent reading will help your child improve their fluency.

    Find a book that your child can read without too much trouble.

    Sitting side by side, you read the first paragraph and then your child reads the first paragraph.  If she struggles, repeat your reading and then she can do it again.

    If one paragraph is too  much.  Do this sentence by sentence.  Your goal is for your child to read the sentence/paragraph fluently just like you did.  This practice at a faster speed will eventually feed into her own reading of new texts.

     

  • Day 3

    Today we are going back to the fluency app.  Your child should find their ‘working level’ today. This is the level where they have to practice a few times in order to beat the timer.

    Once they beat the timer, don’t immediately go onto the next level.  Try the same level with a different text. You can change the text for a level by pressing the + and – icons.

  • Day 4

    Today we are going to help your child practice how to scan along a text at a faster speed. If they are used to reading slowly, their eyes are used to moving along slowly.  Today’s practice will give them practice at moving faster.

    Pick a book that your child can read without trouble.  You start reading.  At the end of any sentence, stop reading.  Your child must now immediately continue.  To do this, they need to be tracking the words as you read so they know where you are up to.  Since you read faster, their eyes will need to track faster than they do for themselves.

    If necessary, moderate your pace to ensure success.  But make sure they are tracking while you read.  DOn’t let them play catch-up when they realize you have stopped reading!

  • Day 5

    Because of the built-in reward system, your child will probably be happy to do the Fluency app.  If the app wasn’t their thing, choose one of the activities from earlier in the week.  All practice is good practice!

— SPACER —

End of the Week Review

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left” font_size=”17″ width=”940″]At the end of Day 5,  think about your child’s progress this week.  Is fluency a weak point that needs more practice?

If you are not sure, go to the Fluency app and turn on Titles.  This will show you grade by grade expectations for an average reader from Grade 1 to Grade 5 (at the end of the year).

If your child is below grade level, it might be worth repeating Week 1 a few times.  There is no rush.  Week 2 and onwards will wait for you![/text_block]

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When to Worry

[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left” font_size=”17″ width=”940″]If your child’s fluency is below grade level and 2-3 weeks of practice leads to no improvement, it is time to talk to someone. They may offer some specific suggestions, or even give you reassurance about why everything is okay.

Your child’s teacher could be a good starting point.  You could also consider seeing a behavioral optometrist to make sure no physical problems are affecting your child’s ability to track the words on the page.

 

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