Listed book selection criteria for pre school children and introducing how to read with/to children. Slides content sourced from Sparkletots school workshop with parents, and the workshop based on Singapore MOE L&L program.
2. Reading
Reading involves constructing meaning
from print. Generally, children go through
the following phases when learning to
read:
Pre reading
Initial reading
Fluent reading
3. Reading with understanding
and for enjoyment
Print and book awareness
Alphabet knowledge
Phonological awareness
Word recognition
comprehension
6. Story structure
Components
• Beginning
• Development
(action-
packed)
• Problem
• Satisfying
• Happy ending
Characters
• Uncomplicated
• Believable
• Strong
Dramatic appeal
• Safe edge of
fear
• Sadness
• Suspense
• Happy ending
7. Story structure
The story “must affirm the child. It must
be a mirror that show the child to
herself/himself as a wonderful person, a
hero, a winner.” – Joy Cowley
8. Content
Concepts
• No too difficult or abstract.
Theme
• Related to experiences and level of understanding of
children.
Length
• Not too long in view of attention span of preschool
children.
10. Language / Format
Language
• Natural
• Simple sentence
structure
• Rhyme
• Repetition
• Familiar/sight/high
frequency words
Illustrations
• Support and
complement text
Text
• Directionality
• Left justified
• Typeface
• Font appropriate in
size with proper
spacing
12. Reading with/to Children
Introducing a new book
First reading
Asking questions
Children’s questions
Second reading
13. Introducing a new book
Show cover of book and get children to
describe it and share what they think the
book is about.
Invite children to relate the cover content
to prior knowledge.
Point and read the title, author and
illustrator.
14. First reading
Ask for pre directions or ask questions to
focus on illustrations for each page.
Read the text aloud, pointing to the words
fluidly as you read.
15. Asking questions
Engage children’s interest
Provide opportunity for them to talk about
the story as it unfolds.
Stimulate thought and foster understanding.
Ascertain understanding and direct
attention to a specific point.
16. Asking questions
Too many questions may disrupt flow of
the story and cause children to lose
interest.
Re-phrasing every question will confuse
children.
Acknowledge children’s responses.
17. Children’s questions
Children ask questions to clarify or extend
their understanding.
Encourage them to ask questions.
Acknowledge children’s questions and
answer them as best you can.
Do NOT ignore or dismiss them.
18. Second reading
Re read the book straight through without
stopping, encouraging children to read
with you.
Have children respond to the story in
some ways.
19. Reading with your children
“Reading with your children” by British
council SG on YouTube
Suggestions
Show the cover of the book
Ask personalized questions
Use picture clues from the story
Check understanding of the context
Use different voices
Encourage prediction skills
Use actions to make it engaging
Re-reading builds self-confidence
Ask your child what they liked/disliked