Tag: personalized reading

Questions to Ask Your Child to Boost Reading Comprehension

Posted on | by KD Novelties

When it comes to building reading skills, what better than actually reading? However knowing the words, sounding them out, and reading them aloud is only part of the skill set that reading requires and can it help enhance the experience if done correctly. Being able to read is one thing, but retaining information, making inferences and forming opinions is another important aspect of this activity – especially in regards to academics. It is important that kids are not only able to read, but that they are also able to take something away from the experience as well. This can mean learning new things, but it can also mean connecting with a fictional character on a personal level or being inspired to engage their imaginations and do something new.

There are some ways parents can help kids boost their reading comprehension skills to get them in the habit of thinking actively.

Ask Their Opinion

This is straightforward, but it can help. After story time, whether it is the parent reading to the child or the child reading aloud, asking questions about the book or the chapter that was just read can help a lot. Not only can asking questions help engage their minds, but having a discussion about the story can help boost kids’ memories and encourage them to engage with the material more personally.

Ask them who their favorite character was and why. Ask them why they think the character did what they did in the story, and what they might have done differently if they were in their shoes. You can even ask your child what they think might happen next or what they would write if they were in charge of the next chapter or sequel.

Encourage Them to Keep a Journal

Kids don’t necessarily have to recount their days; kids can write about their lives, the things they read, school, or anything they like. The important thing is that they are writing. Writing is inherently related to reading in nature, and writing can help children better understand written material. Not only that, but writing can help boost communication skills, empathy and emotional understanding.

Give your kids prompts to answer in their journal, whether it is about their day, what happened at school, or what they think about the things they are reading. Ask them engaging questions and see what they come up with.

Have Them Tell You a Story

Sometimes, bedtime includes a story from mom or dad and not from a book. Storytelling in any form can be beneficial, plus it’s a great way to spend time together and form wonderful memories. But next time at bedtime, ask your child to tell you a story instead – and don’t just listen in, be an active audience member. Ask your kids about their characters and the events of the story, ask them why things happen or why a character did something a certain way. These are the same questions you may have asked your children after reading a book, but asking them about their own stories can help to further engage their active sense of reasoning and understanding. These skills will come in handy when kids are reading on their own and once they begin to ask themselves these questions, they will become more active and understanding readers.

Below are some starter questions you may consider asking your child before choosing a book, while reading a book, or when you’re finished reading:

Picking out a book

• Why did you choose this book?

• Did you like the picture on the front? What’s happening in the image?

• What could this book be about?

Before reading the book

• Can you point to the title? or What is this? (pointing to the title)

• What might happen in the story?

• Talk about the different parts of the book (ex. front cover, back cover, title, author, illustrator, etc.)

• If it is an informational book, ask them what they hope to learn and why

While reading

• What has happened so far?

• What might happen next?

•How do you think the story might end?

• What sort of character is….? How would you describe them? Would you be friends with them?

• How would you feel if you had been that character? Has anything like that happened to you? What would you do if this happened to you?

• If reading an information book: Have you learned anything new? What else would you like to know?

At the end of the book

• What was their favorite part? What was the most interesting/exciting part of the book?

• Why did that character do … (give a situation from the story as an example)?

• What happened in the story?

• Who are the main characters in the story?

• What character would you like to be?

• Did you like this book?

Reading Nooks For Kids

Posted on | by KD Novelties

For book lovers, reading is a special activity that can instantly transport you to other worlds and open your imagination to new ideas. If you ask any avid reader about where they like to do their reading or when, they will likely have a few favorite places on their list or specific times of day that they devote to reading. Implementing these sorts of ideas can really help get kids into reading, too. For the most part, many parents make special time for reading, which usually ends up being just before bed. As commonplace as this practice is, it can really help parents spend quality time with their children before drifting off to sleep where dreams can then work their magic. But if you want to help make reading extra special for your kids, then why not take it a step further?

When it comes to favorite places to read, many people have a favorite chair or even a reading nook. Curating a special reading space for children can help make the exploration of a story that much more exciting. Making a quiet, designated space for reading can help entice reluctant readers by making the act of reading more of an activity that sparks their imagination. Creating a space where kids can explore stories can be quite easy, too, so whether your child already loves reading or if you are looking for new ways to help a reluctant reader give books a better try, then you can get started creating a cozy reading nook in your home.
Reading nooks can be anywhere, but it is preferable that they be in a relatively quiet part of the house. If you do not have any designated spaces, you can easily make one!

Reading Room
If you have a nursery or a play area, you can easily convert a corner to accommodate books and other accessories that will make your reading experience all the more cozy and focused. Even though there are other toys and things around, making a space where your child can feel like it is really their own can help. If you don’t have a play room, you can find an unused corner of the living room, a bedroom, or an office that you can turn into a cozy reading space. Designate a small section and set up some bookshelves to show that the area is dedicated to this activity.

Makeshift Spaces
If you don’t have a separate room to devote to reading or other activities, you can improvise! A toy house or tent can be set up anywhere and it can instantly be transformed into a cozy and intimate locale where kids can dive into a new book with some privacy.

Blanket Forts
If you want to read together, you can set up a bigger tent outdoors or even make a blanket fort – because what child doesn’t absolutely love a blanket fort? Setting up a tent or a fort can be a fun memory-making activity in and of itself, and you can settle down with a fun book afterward as a reward for your efforts.

Fairy Lights
No matter where you end up setting up your child’s reading space, adding some string lights, lanterns, and other similar sorts of decorations can easily make any space look and feel magical. The lights you string up can act as both an element of ambiance as well as a means to make sure that your child can see the pages of their books clearly, too!

Make it Cozy
Add some fun, mismatched throw pillows and some favorite stuffed toys to the mix and kids are sure to want to hunker down and dive into a book or two. Pillows can make any space inviting and comfortable, but by adding some fun and color these pillows can also make the space feel more special and fun too.

Lastly make sure to add personalized kids books to their reading nook to make it extra special for
them!

Difference Between a Developmental Lag and a Reading Disorder

Posted on | by KD Novelties
Developmental Lag or Reading Disorder

What is the difference between spotting a developmental lag and a reading disorder? Both issues may look the same from observation, so ultimately, no matter what, it is always wise to see a specialist in the event this thought occurs to a parent at all.

Many parents would like to believe that their children are developing healthily and normally – who wouldn’t? Each individual is different and as kids become their own people, they will undoubtedly develop their own quirks and interests. If you notice that your child is not reading or shows no interest in the activity, your mind may initially make excuses along the lines of “maybe they’re just not a reader,” or “perhaps they learn a little slower and are more of a visual or hands-on learner.” Either of these may be true, certainly, but there is nothing wrong with doing a little bit of investigating first. Many parents who have children with reading disabilities find out a little too late, ‘a little too late’ meaning that their child’s education may have already suffered and that valuable time getting help has been lost.

Research shows that it is crucial that kids receive the proper developmental health during their first few years of schooling. This window of opportunity can be fleeting and many parents miss it because they are easily dissuaded from seeking help. If you notice that your child is having difficulties reading, the reason may absolutely be that they have a developmental lag or simply have no initial interest in the activity. However, it is always wise to be safe than sorry. It is better to be told that your child has a developmental lag by a professional early on in either case, because even if your child does not have a disorder, you can begin to implement healthy incentives to help them learn regardless. But if your child does have a reading disorder, the earlier they receive help the better.

The longer you wait to get help or guidance in the event that your child has a reading disorder, the harder it will be to get them on the right track. If treatment and therapy is implemented early, kids will adopt it much more easily and almost more naturally as well. Just as learning a language later in life becomes ultimately more difficult and forced, than learning one from an early age, so is learning how to cope with a reading disorder. It is still entirely possible to help children who are around the age of 7 or 8, but it becomes more and more difficult as the child gets older.

Reading disorders, such as dyslexia, are not exclusive to reading alone. Since reading is integral to learning, kids with reading problems will ultimately have issues learning other subjects as well and may fall behind substantially. The best way to quell any concerns that you may have regarding your child’s ability to or interest in reading is to see a specialist and to have your child tested. There should be no stigma involved, especially since you will be helping your child grow and learn.

For more reading resources and to check out our personalized books for kids which boosts self-esteem and enhances the reading experience visit us at http://www.KDNovelties.com.