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How to Talk to Struggling Readers
Jan 8, 2013 1:42 PM
By Jennifer (Brewster) Helbing '98 - FF/S
The influence that we, as adults (whether we are teachers or parents), have over our children is astonishing. How we use this power through our words and actions is critical to their outlook on academics, along with everything in life. The right words at the right time can stimulate a child to engage in the learning process and be hooked forever. At the same time, a seemingly innocent remark may result in a child to further disengage.
Reading isn’t just about proficiencies; it’s also about personality, character and identity. “We need to understand that students go to school for a living. That's their job. They do it six hours a day. If they're failing at their job, if they can't do the majority of what they're asked to do, if they don't really like or care about the people they work with, their colleagues, their classmates, if they're not understood by the people they work for, their teachers and supervisors, then that's a pretty lousy existence for a child. …Not only do they go to school for a living, they're more closely identified with what they do for a living than we are with what we do for a living,” states Rick Lavoie.
As a parent or as a teacher, the language that you use when interacting with struggling readers makes as much an impact as the instructional strategies that are being implemented. A child who believes that he is a strong reader will read, persevering through challenges and enjoying the process. On the other hand, a child who believes he is a struggling reader will have to be prompted and stirred just to pick up a book.
“How we feel when learning, can not only generate this aversion… but it can fundamentally, dissipate the processing bandwidth necessary to read. The moment that I become self-conscious, my brain becomes so busy that I don't have the mind power to learn to read. So, all these things are working together," Lavoie continues.
It is always important to choose your words wisely when working with children. Through your choice of language, you can promote your child’s viewpoint of reading in a way that inspires future growth. Encouragement and positive feedback should be focused on effort and improvement rather than a level of achievement.
Please see suggestions below to incorporate in your child’s life in hopes that he will experience a true love for reading:
1. Refer to him or her as a reader.
2. Celebrate specific strengths.
3. Demonstrate patience.
4. Encourage the child to set realistic goals.
5. Don’t focus on reading level; instead emphasize effort.
6. Allow for student choice.
7. Provide differentiation and accommodations in order for each child to feel comfortable and safe.
Suggestions on how to make reading fun at home:
1. Take turns reading aloud.
2. Display your own love for reading by reading in front of your child.
3. Go on a trip to the library.
4. Act out stories.
5. Pretend the character comes to life.
6. Discuss the main events and make connections with your life, other books or the world.
It is essential to remember that children are inclined to view themselves the same way the adults in their lives do. Select your words wisely, celebrate determination, and make reading as enjoyable as possible.
Click here for more.
Reading isn’t just about proficiencies; it’s also about personality, character and identity. “We need to understand that students go to school for a living. That's their job. They do it six hours a day. If they're failing at their job, if they can't do the majority of what they're asked to do, if they don't really like or care about the people they work with, their colleagues, their classmates, if they're not understood by the people they work for, their teachers and supervisors, then that's a pretty lousy existence for a child. …Not only do they go to school for a living, they're more closely identified with what they do for a living than we are with what we do for a living,” states Rick Lavoie.
As a parent or as a teacher, the language that you use when interacting with struggling readers makes as much an impact as the instructional strategies that are being implemented. A child who believes that he is a strong reader will read, persevering through challenges and enjoying the process. On the other hand, a child who believes he is a struggling reader will have to be prompted and stirred just to pick up a book.
“How we feel when learning, can not only generate this aversion… but it can fundamentally, dissipate the processing bandwidth necessary to read. The moment that I become self-conscious, my brain becomes so busy that I don't have the mind power to learn to read. So, all these things are working together," Lavoie continues.
It is always important to choose your words wisely when working with children. Through your choice of language, you can promote your child’s viewpoint of reading in a way that inspires future growth. Encouragement and positive feedback should be focused on effort and improvement rather than a level of achievement.
Please see suggestions below to incorporate in your child’s life in hopes that he will experience a true love for reading:
1. Refer to him or her as a reader.
2. Celebrate specific strengths.
3. Demonstrate patience.
4. Encourage the child to set realistic goals.
5. Don’t focus on reading level; instead emphasize effort.
6. Allow for student choice.
7. Provide differentiation and accommodations in order for each child to feel comfortable and safe.
Suggestions on how to make reading fun at home:
1. Take turns reading aloud.
2. Display your own love for reading by reading in front of your child.
3. Go on a trip to the library.
4. Act out stories.
5. Pretend the character comes to life.
6. Discuss the main events and make connections with your life, other books or the world.
It is essential to remember that children are inclined to view themselves the same way the adults in their lives do. Select your words wisely, celebrate determination, and make reading as enjoyable as possible.
Click here for more.
