Dear Parent(s) Guardian(s),
You may have noticed that your child is bringing home a copy of a leveled book (in French) that he/she can read with you. This book is part of our Guided Reading book sets. Please be aware that these books are especially designed so that children can progress in reading in a chronological manner. Guided Reading is a specific program teachers implement to help children to read fluently, read with understanding, and read while making valuable connections. These books also assist children in consolidating sight words that are necessary to help build a strong foundation. The books in the guided reading program can only be purchased in sets of 5. Please ensure your son/daughter returns their guided reading book daily in their book bag. If the book is not returned then the proper rotation of books is interrupted. A lost or damaged book will cost $10.00.
In order for an effective guided reading program books need to be returned daily in excellent condition.
The techniques
listed below will work consistently for children learning how to read in French.
- If the book is too easy, that’s OK.
The more children read the better. Easier books are good for self-esteem,
reading comprehension, vocabulary and oral language development.
- Re-reading familiar books should be
encouraged. It is one way to master sight words. Allow your child to
re-read as often as he/she likes.
- Your son/daughter should choose a quiet
corner, free of distractions. Also please make sure books are away from
food and drinks. These are brand new books; we would like to keep them
that way for as long as possible.
- Do not make reading exhaustive. Keep
the time frame in check. Ten (10) minutes for grade 1 students. 20 min for
grade 2’s, 30 min for grade 3’s.
- Read and return every day.
HOW TO READ LEVELLED BOOKS WITH MY CHILD
BEFORE READING
- Take the time to look at each picture
in the book. As you both look at the pictures ask simple questions about
the pictures so that your child conceptualizes what he/she sees.
- Allow your child to think about why
he/she is reading.
- Allow your child to study the cover
and the title of the book.
- Allow your child to relate and make
predictions.
- Allow your child to ask questions.
-2-
DURING READING
- Allow your child to read by pointing
to each word.
- Allow your child to stop and check: Does
this make sense?
- If your child gets stuck on a word, remind
him to apply reading strategies like sounding out the letters, sounding
out the syllables and looking at the pictures.
- Allow your child to re-read confusing
parts or unfamiliar words.
- Allow your child to make connections
to what he/she already knows: “What does this remind me of?”
AFTER READING
- Allow your child to summarize the main
idea.
- Allow your child to scan and re-read
to find out details.
- Allow your child to use text to
support his opinions and ideas.
- Allow your child to re-read the book a
second time.
- Practice the high frequency words with
the use of flash cards.
- Allow your child to make connections
to what he/she already knows: What did I learn?
- Allow your child to decide what the
important ideas are.
- Place book back in my reading bag and return
to school every day.
Thank
you for your support and cooperation. If you have any questions please contact
your child’s teacher.
Sincerely,
Primary
Teachers
