I was excited this week to get a new book from the International Reading Association. It is titled: Bright Beginnings for Boys: Engaging Young Boys in Active Literacy.I haven't had a chance to read the whole book, but as I was skimming it, looking forward to what I was going to be reading, I came across the following which I wanted to share with you. This is a brainstormed list (p. 137) that comes from boys who have been asked how their older brothers should work with their siblings when they read a book.
10. Have FUN!
9. After you read, take time to discuss the book. Ask one another who, what, when, why, and how questions.
8. Ask the child his or her favorite part and character.
7. If the child is a reader, have him or her read to you. If you notice too many mistakes being made, check for readability. Ask the librarian or teacher in charge to make sure the book is at the proper level.
6. If the child does make an error while reading that distracts from the meaning of the story, prompt the child with a question that will help him or her recognize the error.
5. As the child reads, remember that some mistakes are OK. If the child says house for home it does not change the story's meaning. If meaning is not altered, let it go.
4. Encourage the child to ask questions about the story if the plot is confusing.
3. Identify and discuss unfamiliar words.
2 Encourage conversation. Ask the child if his or her initial predictions were correct.
1. Take time to discuss the book before you read. Look at the cover, point out the author and illustrator, and ask the child what he or she thinks the book will be about.
