Reading Rewards

Summer reading is off and running and the boys have qualified for their first reward! More on that tomorrow.

My Kid Can’t Read

For ideas on introducing your child to books, see the link below. Even if your child cannot read, doing pre-literacy activities can be beneficial.  Things like giving them board books, reading to them, turning pages while they watch a video of the book or hear the audio recording.  Tracking words with your finger as you read to them may help. Teaching the letter sounds is fun and gives you the basis of a conversation…I ask, ‘What does the A say?’ and Mikey says ‘AAAA!’ We celebrate together.

Modifications

The goal of every summer reading program and any reading program for that matter is to incentivize kids to read. Even though the program will likely be geared towards typical kids, your child has a right to participate. Think through the modifications your child will need. Clearly and calmly inform the librarian. You do not need to ask permission to have your child participate.

Talk to your local librarian and let them know you’d like your child to be included. Let them get to know your child and be open with them about your need to modify certain requirements. “I’ll be reading the books aloud to Mikey so he can participate in the summer reading program like his peers.” Or, “Mikey can read independently, but not at grade level. He is not trying to sneak by with easy books. These are genuinely appropriate for his reading level.”

By thinking outside of the box and advocating for your child, you can help them start where they are, build skills and be included in the larger activities open to the whole town.

A Side Note

I loved the Leap Frog videos.  Michael still watches them, they were such a hit! Letter Factory teaches the sounds and Talking Words Factory teaches how the sounds work together to make words.  These two videos helped Mikey a great deal with his early literacy.