As a teacher, I’ve seen countless children struggle with reading. It’s a journey that can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents, especially when progress reports come home with disappointing news or when the reading screener indicates that your child is below benchmark. But fear not! With the right approach, you can help turn things around. Drawing from the principles of the Orton-Gillingham methodology and the science of reading, I want to share five unique tips that you might not hear from every educational source out there.
1. Read By the Firelight of Imagination
Picture this: it's a cozy evening, the dim lighting sets a warm tone, and a softly flickering candle captures your child’s attention. Instead of reading in a bright room, try creating an atmosphere that speaks to their imagination. Use soft lighting, perhaps even by a fireplace or with fairy lights. Create a ‘reading nook’ where stories come alive. This may seem simple, but studies show that a relaxed environment enhances focus for children who struggle with reading because it reduces external distractions and allows them to immerse themselves in the narrative.
2. Use Multisensory Storytelling
Children thrive on experiences that engage more than just their eyes. When reading together, why not incorporate multisensory activities? For instance, if you’re reading about a tropical island, bring in a sensory bin filled with sand and shells, or use scented markers to draw palm trees. Touch and smell can profoundly enhance a child’s understanding and retention of a story. This strategy aligns perfectly with the Orton-Gillingham methodology, which emphasizes the importance of sensory experiences in learning to read.
3. Create a Book Club with a Twist
Forget the conventional book club format. Instead, turn it into an adventure! Choose a book and accompany it with associated activities – a cooking session, crafting, or even a field trip. For example, if the book is about animals in the wild, plan a visit to a zoo or read a related nonfiction book afterward. This not only makes reading a fun activity but allows your child to explore and connect with the material in a way that extends beyond the pages of the book.
4. Personalize Reading Goals
Instead of traditional reading milestones, come up with personalized goals together. Have your child write their own “reading bucket list” filled with titles they want to explore or genres they’re curious about. This empowers them and fosters ownership over their learning. Celebrate the completion of each item on the list! This approach gently aligns with the science of reading, which emphasizes engagement and motivation as key factors in building literacy skills.
5. Turn Errors into Learnable Moments
Rather than shying away from mistakes, normalize errors in reading. When your child misreads a word, instead of correcting immediately, take a moment to explore different possibilities. Ask guiding questions like, “Let's look at the sounds within this word?” or “Does that match the story?” This encourages critical thinking and boosts confidence. It also honors the Orton-Gillingham philosophy of recognizing that making errors is part of the learning process and an opportunity for growth.
Wrapping It Up
Helping your child navigate the challenges of reading doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By creating an environment filled with imagination, engaging multiple senses, personalizing goals, embracing learning moments, and stepping outside conventional strategies, you can make your child’s reading journey an enjoyable adventure.
Remember, each child’s path is unique, so embrace the rhythm that works best for you and your child. In this shared journey, celebrate every small victory, and let’s keep the joy of reading alive!
If you’d like to discuss further strategies or have specific concerns regarding your child’s reading progress, feel free to reach out to us at info@tutoringsolutions.ca. Together, we can unlock a world of possibilities through the power of reading!
Happy reading!
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