KINDERGARTEN PARENT LITERACY NIGHTJANUARY 15 , 2014

Understanding the Reading Continuum

Developmental nature of reading

Learning to look at print is developmental in nature much like talking, walking, eating, riding a bike. . .

Children progress through the stages in the same way but not at the same time.

Children learn best when they are reading and writing for real purposes and audiences.

Goals for reading and writing should be developmentally appropriate; challenging but achievable. Avoid Diary of a Wimpy Kid syndrome.

The role of adults in supporting the reading process

Be supportive, interested and engaged!Allow children to figure things out on their

own. Use prompts to encourage risk-taking and independence!

Read aloud to your child every day!Plan “reading related” activities: library, book

store, plays. . .Fill “down time” with books: riding in the

car, waiting at the doctor’s office, before bed. . .

Encourage reading time and allow it to grow!

What an emergent reader looks like

Looks at pictures in books.Talks through the story by using pictures as a

guide.Typically occurs in ages 4-6Participates in choral reading of familiar

books: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

Are usually highly motivated to learn to read!May move through this stage quickly.

What a transitional reader looks like

Focus is shifting to print.Typically occurs in ages 5-7Rely heavily on pictures and patterns to read.Adults often believe children are not really reading

during this stage because they compare them to readers at a later stage of development. Keep in mind the developmental nature of reading and encourage readers to: Look at the pictures Think about the story pattern Notice some familiar star words Point at each word with their finger to develop one-to-one

match.

What a beginning reader looks like

Rely more on print than picturesTypically occurs in ages 6-8Developing use of meaning (through pictures

and story), structure (through syntax and language) and visual cues (through phonics-beginning sound, ending sound and middle sounds)

Knows many sight words which serve as anchors to support their reading.

Are developing a process for reading through strategic behaviors.

What an advanced beginning reader looks like

Integrating meaning, structure and phonics cues and checking them one against another.

Typically occurs in ages 7-9Is becoming more efficient as a reader

through chunking word parts.Can begin to read silentlyIs developing more thoughtful

comprehension of stories.Will learn new vocabulary through reading.

How to use the reading continuum

Notice the stage your child is in.Look at the indicators, strategic behaviors and

comprehending strategies listed in that stage. Notice when your child begins to show signs of

advancement and encourage the new reading behaviors.

Realize your child may stay in some stages longer than others.

Read to and with your child often.

If you have concerns, talk to your child’s teacher!