Reading help

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Reading help
By Jeanine

Liz-
I teach at risk 7th and 8th graders. Unfortunately, the only way a child is going to get better at reading is by reading more. I tell my studetns to go get books on tape and follow along with the book. This
just helps with word identification, pronunciation and also comprehension. The majority of reading problems, if they are not a diagnosed problem, are an effect of motivation. Most kids turn off from reading because they lost a step somewhere in their learning process. Most kids miss this step because they do not enjoy what is being read. Talk to them and find out what they like. If

it is motorcycles then you find a trade magazine on dirt bikes and read with him/her. Get the parents involved. Have the students read out loud to their parents at home. This encourages them to read everynight and it also reassures the parents that they are trying. Have a reading conference with them every week and begin asking them questions on what they are reading. Many times novels are too intimidating for them. Start off with magazine articles or newspaper articles. These are shorter and create a sense of confidence when they see something that is not overwhelming. Bottom line is these kids will be on a different learning plan than your other students. It is imperative that they gain a sense of self confidence or this situation will continue. It is important to stop the cycle before they go on to another grade. I hope this helps. I am a reading specialist so if you have any questions just email me and I will try and help as best I can