Home Reading Letter

Following is a letter that St. Monica kindergarten teachers sent out to the parents the day we began our Home Reading Program, entitled "Journey Into Reading."

Journey into Reading Program

The joy of reading is one of the finest gifts you can give your child.  It is a gift that will last forever.  We will be starting a home reading program this month.  This will give you the opportunity to read with your child for 10-15 minutes every evening.  Your involvement in this program will help build a positive attitude toward reading.  Your child will learn to enjoy books in a personal, loving atmosphere. 

We have collected these books which are at the appropriate emergent and early reader levels and interests. One book will be sent home daily for you to read with your child.  If you and your child would like to keep it for more than one evening, please feel free to do so. 

• Have your child look at the book and predict what the story will be about.
  

• Proceed to read the book to your child, modeling reading skills such as tracking with your finger, using pictures to identify words and showing that we read from left to right.
  

• If your child feels confident encourage him/her to read the story with you.
  

• Discuss the story.  Ask questions about the characters and other details in the story.  Check for understanding. 

The purpose of the program is for the students to familiarize themselves with books not necessarily to learn how to read.  We want to foster a love for books and reading.  We want your child to experience success and enjoyment through reading. Therefore it is important that you provide positive reinforcement for his/her efforts.  We can do this with praise and encouragement.  Please keep this experience positive. 

One of the first steps in your child's journey to becoming a reader is "memorization".  Encourage your child to tell the story, using pictures as cues, but please don't correct the words.

              Have fun and enjoy reading with your child!!

We also encourage you to read other books to your child, to promote a broader interest in books and understanding of story.  Please make regular trips to your public library. 

An Early Reading Brochure has been enclosed for your information.

Thank you

 Michelle Bezubiak, Pat Opyr and Carol Vaage