Welcome to Mentor Monday!
Thinking ahead – choosing good books for your student!
What is a good book?
A recent Reading is Fundamental guide states “a book doesn’t have to win an award to be considered ‘good.’ It doesn’t have to be a best seller or on a recommended book list, either. A good book is simply one a child enjoys reading.” Ask your student about topics. What is your student interested in reading? Ask them! Students can tell you what they like and don’t like, what they want to learn, and maybe what they want to do when they grow up.
Think of these topics for subjects to read and help guide them to good books.
Understand that a student’s reading interest will change throughout the year. So for young readers, here are a few tips:
- Choose books with clear text that is easy to read.
- Select books with colorful, attractive illustrations and photos that bring the text to life.
- Choose books that appeal to your student’s current interest.
- Find other books with your student’s favorite characters, or books by their favorite authors and illustrators.
- Select books that introduce higher level vocabulary and encourage good discussion.
- Consider books that your student remembers hearing when they were younger. Those books might be the perfect selection for a student to begin reading on their own.
- Be open to reading fact books, such as almanacs, trivia or record books.
- Think outside the box and introduce biographies, classics, graphic novels, cookbooks, newspapers and folk tales.
- Finally, find chapter books that can be read over several days instead of in one sitting.
Consider a “dramatic reading” of the “classic” story – Grumpy Monkey
Remember to practice reading the book out loud prior to your session with the student. Reading out loud should not be monotone, so give it all you’ve got! Dramatic and fun sound effects, hand motions, facial expressions, and changes in tone invite the student to become a part of the story with you.
It is perfectly acceptable to briefly look through a book and then decide if it is a story-line you both want to pursue. If after reading a few pages or a chapter and you don’t like the story, pick another book. Reading with your student should not be a chore, it should be fun!
Another way – celebrate books as an art form:
Our music selections embrace the quarantine or are uplifting or can be soothing. Enjoy!
As always, thank you for volunteering!
Stay safe and be well,
Well aren’t you getting clever with the posting. Love the idea of picking a holiday to celebrate. Might make one up of my own and share it with friends, family, and my two “students” that I am still in touch with. Will keep you posted on that. In the meantime I am going to check out those ice cream days. Maybe there is a strawberry day. Right now I am dealing with sugar ants. A day for those? Love the Atlas Obscura animals. The blobfish seem just about right.
I continue to watch the virus stats although I am skeptical about the accuracy. Will be interested to see your next month’s posting as to what you creatively and cleverly have figured out.
Thanks Beverly! I am thinking of a “No Mask” holiday in my house!
I’d vote for the No-Mask Holiday. ????????
When I was working with my second-grade student, I discussed his interests and tried to find books on his reading level or close that catered to those interests. This worked well, but I also tried to find I Can Read books from the library that were easy enough for him to read on his own with me as an assistant. I was very surprised when the Frog and Toad books ended up being his favorites! I had checked out one or two, and he asked for more. Sometimes, I think, the youngster can learn what he likes by being exposed to it.
Love it Jeanne! That is why we share in training to always have extra books in your bag because you never know what will work. Plus, I think it is a good idea to share some of your favorites as that lets your student know a little more about you. Thanks for sharing.
Love, love, loved the musical interludes! Thanks!
Vicki: You forgot the most important Friday this year in June which is on the 12th. My birthday and I’m gonna be 61. Haha! See ya soon.
Roxanne Sikes
????????????????????????????
Happy Birthday Roxanne! Happy Birthday to you, and all of the other June birthdays!
Hi Vicki and Tutors,
Here is a fun website that shows how to make miniature books and features several authors reading their own miniature books. Enjoy!
Jenni
Forgot the link: https://www.bl.uk/childrens-books/activities/make-a-miniature-book
Thank you Jenni! I have already checked into the link and even I could maybe make one of those miniature books. I may re-post the link later for those who are not looking at the vlog.
For tutors who have third-or fourth-grade students who have minimal reading issues, I’d enthusiastically recommend a book: “Earth From Above For Young Readers” by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. This talented photographer has taken photos of the earth from up high, and his dramatic, colorful results draw in and often mystify the reader. Short stories accompany the photo, explaining what it depicts, often with a cautionary note about how the earth suffers from human behaviors. A little globe pinpoints the location, and there are endearing sketches of children who live there. I’ve used it for more than three years, and learn something new right along with my students.
This hardcover book is available from Amazon for a list price of $8.70 used, up to $39.00 new. It’s worth every penny.
Thanks for the suggestion Sue! We are continually looking for good books to use in sessions. We will add to our library collection this fall.