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As a parent, you want to make reading time with your child fun and engaging. One way to do this is by playing the cloze game while reading together. The cloze game is a simple yet effective way to help your child improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary. Here are some tips on how to play the cloze game while reading: Choose a Book Choose a book that your child is interested in reading. It can be a picture book, a chapter book, or even a magazine article. The important thing is that your child enjoys the content of the book. Read Together Read a sentence or a paragraph from the book aloud to your child. Then, ask your child to fill in the missing word or words in the sentence. For example, if you read "The cat chased the ____," your child might say "mouse." Gradually Increase Difficulty Start with simple sentences and gradually increase the difficulty level. You can also adjust the difficulty level based on your child's reading level. For younger children, you can use picture books with simple sentences. For older children, you can use chapter books or articles with more complex sentences. Encourage Your Child Encourage your child to guess the missing word even if they are unsure. Praise them for their efforts and help them if they need it. Remember, the goal is to make reading fun and engaging, not to make your child feel pressured. Switch Roles Switch roles with your child and let them read the sentences while you fill in the missing words. This will not only help them develop their reading skills but also their critical thinking skills. Playing the cloze game while reading is a great way to help your child develop their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. It's also a fun and engaging way to spend time together as a family. So, grab a book and start playing the cloze game today!

Spelling is an essential part of effective communication, and while technology has made it easier to correct spelling mistakes, the importance of spelling memorization cannot be understated. Here are some reasons why spelling memorization is still crucial in today's world: Spellcheck is not foolproof: While spellcheck is helpful, it is not always accurate. It can miss homophones, context-specific words, or words that are spelled correctly but used incorrectly in a particular context. Therefore, it's crucial to have a strong foundation in spelling and know how to spell words without relying on technology. Spelling helps with reading: When students learn to spell words, they also become more familiar with them and can recognize them more quickly when reading. This familiarity with words can improve reading comprehension, which is an essential skill for academic success. Good spelling builds confidence: When students can spell words correctly, they feel more confident in their writing and communication skills. This confidence can lead to increased motivation and improved academic performance. Spelling is important for formal writing: While informal communication, such as texting or social media, may allow for more leniency in spelling, formal writing requires proper spelling. Poor spelling can negatively impact job applications, college essays, or other formal writing. Spelling promotes attention to detail: Learning to spell requires attention to detail and focus. This skill can transfer to other areas of life, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and organization. In conclusion, while technology has made it easier to correct spelling mistakes, the importance of spelling memorization should not be overlooked. A strong foundation in spelling can improve reading comprehension, build confidence, and promote attention to detail. Therefore, it's essential to continue teaching spelling and encouraging students to memorize spelling words as a fundamental skill for effective communication.

Phonemic awareness is a crucial component of early literacy development, and its importance cannot be overstated. Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds, or phonemes, in spoken words. It is a foundational skill that allows children to learn to read and write. Phonemic awareness is essential because it helps children understand that words are made up of individual sounds. This understanding is necessary for them to be able to decode written words and spell them correctly. Without phonemic awareness, children may struggle with reading and writing, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation to learn. Research has shown that phonemic awareness is a strong predictor of reading success. In fact, children who have a strong foundation in phonemic awareness are more likely to become successful readers and writers. On the other hand, children who struggle with phonemic awareness are at a higher risk of developing reading difficulties. Phonemic awareness also helps children develop their oral language skills. When children can identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words, they are better able to understand and use language. This, in turn, helps them to communicate more effectively and to develop stronger relationships with their peers and caregivers. It is important to note that phonemic awareness is not the same as phonics. Phonics refers to the relationship between letters and sounds, whereas phonemic awareness is focused solely on the sounds in spoken words. While phonics is an important component of reading instruction, phonemic awareness is the foundation upon which phonics is built. There are many ways to develop phonemic awareness in children. Some examples include playing with rhyming words, segmenting and blending sounds in spoken words, and manipulating sounds to create new words. These activities can be incorporated into everyday routines and can be fun for children. In conclusion, phonemic awareness is a critical component of early literacy development. It is the foundation upon which reading and writing skills are built. By developing strong phonemic awareness skills, children are more likely to become successful readers and writers, which will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some sources to read more about the importance of phonemic awareness: National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. Snow, C. E., Burns, M. S., & Griffin, P. (Eds.). (1998). Preventing reading difficulties in young children. National Academies Press. Adams, M. J. (1990). Beginning to read: Thinking and learning about print. MIT Press. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. National Association for the Education of Young Children & International Reading Association. (1998). Learning to read and write: Developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Joint position statement.

Phonics is a fundamental aspect of learning to read and write. It involves teaching children the relationship between sounds and letters, and how to blend these sounds together to form words. While phonics can be taught in a structured, academic setting, it can also be incorporated into fun and engaging games that children can enjoy at home. Here are some fun games that parents can play with their children to improve their phonics skills: Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Create a list of letters and send your child on a scavenger hunt around the house to find objects that begin with each letter. For example, for the letter A, your child could find an apple, for the letter B, they could find a ball, and so on. This game helps children to recognize letters and the sounds they make at the beginning of words. Word Family Bingo Create bingo cards with different word families (e.g., "at" family: cat, hat, mat, sat, etc.). Call out words from the word family and have your child mark off the corresponding word on their bingo card. This game helps children to recognize patterns in words and understand the relationship between sounds and letters. Rhyming Dominoes Create dominoes with pictures of objects that rhyme (e.g., cat and hat, dog and log, etc.). Have your child match the pictures that rhyme together to form a chain. This game helps children to recognize rhyming words and understand the relationship between sounds and letters. Word Scramble Create a list of words and scramble the letters. Have your child unscramble the letters to form the correct word. This game helps children to recognize the individual sounds in words and understand how they can be blended together to form words. Sound Hunt Choose a sound (e.g., the "s" sound) and have your child find objects around the house that make that sound. This game helps children to recognize sounds in words and understand the relationship between sounds and letters. Storytelling Game Create a story with a lot of rhyming words and read it to your child. Have your child repeat the rhyming words as you read them, and encourage them to make up their own stories using rhyming words. This game helps children to recognize rhyming words and understand the relationship between sounds and letters. By incorporating these fun games into your child's daily routine, you can help them improve their phonics skills in a way that is engaging and enjoyable. Not only will they be learning important reading and writing skills, but they will also be having fun in the process!

As a parent or caregiver, you may wonder when your child will begin to read. The truth is, there isn't a set age at which children start to read, as it can depend on various factors such as developmental milestones and individual interests. However, there are some general age ranges that can give you a good idea of when to expect your child to start reading. Between the ages of 4-6, most children will begin to recognize letters and be able to associate them with sounds. They may also start to recognize some common sight words, such as "the," "and," and "a." At this age, children will likely enjoy being read to and may also enjoy simple books with colorful pictures and short sentences. Between the ages of 6-8, children typically make significant strides in their reading abilities. They may be able to read simple books independently and understand more complex sentence structures. Additionally, children at this age will likely have a larger vocabulary and be able to read and understand longer texts. Between the ages of 8-10, children typically become more proficient readers. They may enjoy reading chapter books and be able to comprehend more abstract ideas. Additionally, they may be able to analyze and interpret what they read, which can help them develop critical thinking skills. It's important to remember that children develop at different rates and there's no "right" age at which children should start reading. However, if you have concerns about your child's reading abilities, it's a good idea to speak with your child's teacher or pediatrician. Additionally, you can encourage your child's interest in reading by providing them with age-appropriate books, reading to them regularly, and creating a positive and supportive reading environment at home. In conclusion, while there is no specific age range for children to start reading, most children will begin to recognize letters and sounds between the ages of 4-6 and make significant strides in their reading abilities between the ages of 6-8. By the ages of 8-10, most children will have developed strong reading skills and be able to comprehend more complex texts. Encouraging your child's love of reading can be a wonderful way to foster their intellectual and emotional growth.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects a child's ability to read, write, and spell. It's important for parents to be able to recognize the signs of dyslexia in their child so they can get the support and resources they need to succeed. Here are five signs to look out for: Difficulty with phonemic awareness: Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate the individual sounds in words. Children with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonemic awareness, which can make it difficult to sound out words when reading. Slow reading: Dyslexia can make reading a slow and laborious process. Children with dyslexia may take a long time to read even simple words, and may struggle to remember what they've read. Poor spelling: Spelling can be particularly challenging for children with dyslexia. They may have difficulty remembering the correct spelling of words, and may misspell even common words. Reversing letters and numbers: Children with dyslexia may frequently reverse the order of letters and numbers when reading and writing. For example, they may read "b" as "d" or "p" as "q." Avoiding reading and writing: Children with dyslexia may become frustrated and discouraged by their difficulties with reading and writing, and may begin to avoid these activities. They may also show signs of anxiety or stress when asked to read or write. It's important to note that dyslexia can present differently in different children, and that some of these signs may also be indicative of other learning or attention issues. If you have concerns about your child's reading or writing abilities, it's important to speak with a qualified professional such as a pediatrician, educator, or learning specialist for an evaluation. For Checklists and Resources, Check Out All About Reading Press

Homeschooling can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. However, it can also be a challenging and demanding task. As a parent, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and burnt out from the constant demands of homeschooling. It's important to recognize and address homeschooling burnout before it becomes a major issue. Here are some tips on how to overcome homeschooling burnout: Take breaks: As a homeschooling parent, it's essential to take breaks to prevent burnout. Set aside time for yourself to do something you enjoy, like reading, exercising, or taking a walk. Taking breaks can help you recharge and come back to homeschooling with renewed energy. Connect with other homeschooling parents: Connecting with other homeschooling parents can help you feel less isolated and provide a support system. Join a homeschooling group, attend local homeschooling events, or connect with other parents online. Talking to other homeschooling parents can give you new ideas, advice, and the motivation you need to keep going. Re-evaluate your curriculum: If you're feeling burnt out, it may be time to re-evaluate your curriculum. Consider changing things up by introducing new activities or projects. Look for online resources that can provide additional support or ideas. You can also consider outsourcing certain subjects, such as math or science, to a tutor or online program. Set realistic goals: Setting unrealistic goals can lead to burnout. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Celebrate the small victories and progress your child makes along the way. Prioritize self-care: It's easy to put the needs of your child before your own, but prioritizing self-care is crucial for avoiding burnout. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly. Schedule time for relaxation and hobbies you enjoy. Take advantage of online resources: There are numerous online resources available to homeschooling parents. Look for online support groups, educational videos, and virtual field trips. Taking advantage of these resources can help you avoid burnout by providing fresh ideas and support. In conclusion, homeschooling burnout is a real concern for many parents. Taking breaks, connecting with other homeschooling parents, re-evaluating your curriculum, setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and taking advantage of online resources can all help you avoid burnout and enjoy the homeschooling journey. Remember to take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Reading is a fundamental skill that we use every day. From navigating street signs to reading a favorite book, reading is an essential aspect of our lives. Therefore, it is essential to teach children the necessary skills to become confident readers. One such skill that is crucial to early reading success is phonics. Phonics is a method of teaching children to read by linking sounds (phonemes) with the symbols that represent them (graphemes). Learning phonics helps children to decode words, allowing them to read and spell more accurately. It is an essential tool in early reading development. Many studies have shown that early phonics instruction has a positive impact on children's reading abilities. According to the National Reading Panel, children who are taught using phonics are more likely to become successful readers than those who are not. In fact, the panel recommended that phonics instruction should be included in every reading program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. It is also essential to start teaching phonics at an early age. Research has shown that the optimal time for children to learn phonics is before the age of seven. This is because young children are at a critical stage of brain development, making it easier for them to absorb new information. Additionally, learning phonics before the age of seven helps to prevent reading difficulties later in life. There are many ways to teach phonics to young children. One effective method is through the use of phonics games and activities. For example, parents and teachers can use flashcards with pictures and words, play rhyming games, and use letter blocks to teach phonics. In conclusion, learning phonics is an essential tool for early reading development. It helps children to become confident readers by teaching them how to decode words. Starting phonics instruction at an early age is crucial to prevent reading difficulties later in life. Therefore, parents and teachers should prioritize teaching phonics to young children to help them succeed in reading and beyond.

I get this A LOT from parents, and occasionally even from a few teachers. The first thing I do is some assessments (or talk to the parent) to see exactly where the problem lies, and almost every single time it is the same problem-there are pieces missing in their phonics knowledge. Phonics is not just learning the sound that individual letters make, but also the sound made by a combination of letters. Sometimes the students are not comfortable enough with all of their letter sounds, but more often than not they have not been taught all the sounds of the digraphs and blends (sh, ch, th, wh), vowel pairs (ea, ee, ie), r-controlled vowels (ar, er, ir, ur), silent-e rule, and most importantly: which rule within a word takes the lead (yes, there is a hierarchy). Tactile letters made of sandpaper can help students trace the letters as they say the sounds. (Photo by Lisa Maruna.) Now all of this must sound confusing because I know when I re-learned it all within my credential program it didn't sink in until I was fully teaching it day after day. The first thing I suggest to parents is to start again at the beginning. Start with one sound for each letter (watch for an upcoming teaching phonics article), then go on to digraphs and blends. Once the child has these down well, go on to vowel pairs, r-controlled vowels, and the silent-e rule. Once those are down, fill in the holes with items such as the sounds for /le/, /oo/ (2 sounds for this one), /ow/, etc. When these sounds are down, then comes the craziness of the English language-all of those rule-breakers! It is so sad for me to go over all of the rules, have my students start to get it, then tell them that not all of our words follow these rules! So cruel. It is best to remember that when teaching your child to read there will likely be many times when YOU have NO IDEA what sound something makes. Don't get frustrated. It is the nature of our language that not all of the rules apply to every word, just most words. Teaching children how to read takes patience, repetition, and lots of time. But the benefits of having a reader in the home are immeasurable! Start with the sounds of the letters, move on to letter combinations, and soon you will see your child able to read entire words! Let the reading begin!

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut with helping your student develop better reading comprehension? Well, give one of these options a try and mix it up! Word Ladder: In this game, players start with one word and try to turn it into another word by changing one letter at a time. BINGO: Create BINGO cards with sight words or vocabulary words and have players find and read the words. Scavenger Hunt: Hide words or short sentences around the room and have players find and read them. Reading Charades: Players take turns acting out a word or short sentence for others to guess. Word Jumble: Give players a set of jumbled letters and have them unscramble the letters to form a word or sentence. Flashcards: Create flashcards with sight words or vocabulary words and have players practice reading them. Read and Draw: Give players a short passage to read and then have them draw a picture based on what they read. Read and Respond: Have players read a short passage and answer questions about what they just read. Reading Race: Time how long it takes players to read a short passage and see who can read it the fastest. These games are fun and interactive ways to practice reading skills while also keeping the focus on learning.

Reading and memory go hand in hand. When you read, you engage your memory, which helps you remember what you've read. Let's take a closer look at how this works. Building connections: When you read, your brain creates connections between words, ideas, and images. These connections help you remember what you've read. Enhancing the hippocampus: The hippocampus is a part of the brain that helps store memories. When you read, you activate the hippocampus, which helps you remember information better. Improving working memory: Reading helps improve your working memory, which is the ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind. The more you read, the stronger your working memory becomes. Focusing attention: Reading requires you to concentrate and pay attention. The more you practice this, the better you become at focusing your attention, which also helps you remember what you've read. In conclusion, reading is a great way to enhance your memory. By building connections, activating the hippocampus, improving working memory, and focusing attention, you'll be able to remember more of what you read. So, the next time you want to boost your memory, grab a book and start reading!

This topic must be at the top of my list as personal pet peeves! Over the years as a Reading Specialist, I have heard the letter R mispronounced multiple times within my classroom, as well as on tv shows (reading specifically for kids), videos, and even online videos on teaching reading. I think that one of the main reasons for this is that it is VERY difficult to pronounce correctly! Think right now of the word rabbit. Say it out loud- "rabbit." Now tell me does the sound the letter R says? Does it say /er/ (remember when you see // to say the SOUND of the letters inside)? No it does not. Yet this is one of the most common errors people make when teaching this letter sound. The letter R makes a sound more similar to /ruh/ or /rih/; however, it's sound is often associated with the vowel which comes afterwards. For example, the R in run would say /ruh/, and the R in riff would say /rih/. However, if you were really going to be accurate about which sound R correctly makes you would have to remove all the vowel sounds....can you do that? Let's see. Say the sound /ruh/, now take away the /uh/. Difficult isn't it? Yet that is the correct sound for the letter R. Author's Note: Now, I do not have a masters in Linguistics, so it is important for you to understand where my background for this information came from. It originally started within my linguistics courses at SDSU where we focused extensively on letter-sound correspondence (ie-phonics), then in my coursework for my teaching credential at SDSU, also within coursework for my Masters (with an emphasis in Reading), and most recently within courses taught by Houghton Mifflin.