K4

K4 Classes

Dear Parents,
    
Children who identify quickly and correctly most of the words in books that they are reading usually comprehend what they are reading. However, comprehension involves more than just reading the words; it involves understanding, thinking, and often learning something new. The more children know about what they are reading, the more likely they are to comprehend what they are reading. New information, ideas, and vocabulary learned from reading are added to children's store of knowledge. Children benefit from comprehension activities such as talking about what they have read, discussing the meaning of new words, and comparing one story with another. As children start reading more complex books in science and social studies, they may learn some specific comprehension strategies. 
As you read a book with your child, ask your child questions about the book's characters, places, and events.
When returning to a story, have your child talk about what he/she has already read.
Have your child read a new story; then ask them to tell you the story in their own words. Have your child tell the story in the order in which it happened.

Talk about any new words your child has read in a story. Ask your child to make up sentences with the new words and have your child write out the sentences. Then post the best sentences on the refrigerator or on a bulletin board. Encourage your child to use the words in other situations. 

As you read together, before you come to the end of the story, ask your child to tell how he/she thinks the story will end or how he/she thinks the problems in the story could be solved.

Talk with your child about how the books he/she is reading are similar to other books they have read. Ask your child to tell you things they have done that are similar to the events in the story.