Dear Parents,
The 100 Book Challenge is a reading program designed to get our children to read. In order to do this, your child will come home every night with one or more books and a reading log inside a folder. We want your child to read each night and enjoy what he or she reads. We do not want reading to be a struggle or to be hard.
Children will read books at their reading success levels. At these levels, the children will feel comfortable and will be able to read all the words. Don’t worry if the book seems too easy. The important thing is that your child has fun reading! Research has shown that the more a student reads, the more successful he or she will be in school.
We need your help! Your child will bring books home from the school’s collection to read with you every night. Once your child has read for 15 minutes, he or she will complete one “Step” on the reading log. Then, you will sign it to show that the reading was done. Use this time to sit with your child as the home reading coach. Remember, the reading should be easy and fun for your child; it should not be a struggle.
We look forward to teaching your child and working with you so that your child can be successful.
Sincerely,
Jane Hileman
Literacy Activist and CEO of American Reading Company
PS. Below are some frequently asked questions and tips to help your child become a lifelong reader.
What is an independent reader?
An independent reader is a child who has the ability to retell and talk about what he or she has read with a strong understanding. Independent readers should make no more than two errors for each 100 words read. An independent reader does not have to be reminded to do his or her reading.
What if a book seems too easy?
Although a book may seem too easy to you, if your child is enjoying it, he or she is learning to like reading. Children who learn to like reading, and spend more time doing it, are the children who become good readers. The words shouldn’t be hard.
What if my child does not enjoy reading?
Often, reading with your child helps to build interest. Make sure the book he or she is reading is not too challenging—make sure your child is reading within his or her 100 Book Challenge level. Your child’s teacher will be able to help you with this. Books that deal with subject matter your child is interested in are always the right way to spark enthusiasm. Make sure the TV isn’t an option during reading time. It is very hard to choose reading over TV. Just before bed is often a good time for reading.
Can my child bring home more than two books a night?
Yes. If supply is available, 100 Book Challenge would like schools to supply more books to parents, if requested.
Can we log in books outside of the 100 Book Challenge program, such as library books and books at home?
Yes. We always encourage trips to the library! Please make sure that they are books your child can read independently. Any book, from anywhere, that a child chooses to read and can read is a 100 Book Challenge book.
My kindergartener does not read, but is just looking at the pictures. Is this normal?
Yes. This is great! Looking at pictures is what children at this level should be doing. Pictures serve as clues to stories, and “pretend-reading” is a first step in the right direction. Looking at pictures for clues, pointing at the first letter of words, and getting their mouths ready to make first letter sounds are exactly what kindergarteners should be doing as a first step to reading.
How do I know when my child is ready to try a higher-level book?
When your child is reading books at his or her current level very fluently—that is the books are fun, fast, and easy—you may suggest that he or she try a book at the next level. The child should also continue to read books at lower levels. Don’t push. Watch your child and make sure he or she is enjoying reading. Don’t let your child get stuck in a book that is too hard.
How can I be a better home reading coach?
- Provide the time and opportunity for your child to read his or her 100 Book Challenge color-coded book(s) every day.
- Make sure your child has a relaxed, comfortable place to read—such as a couch, bed or comfortable floor.
- Listen to your child read. Let him or her hold the book.
- Be your child's listening ear. Help with pronunciation as needed.
- Help older children to read fluently and with feeling.
- Encourage older children to bring home books they really want to read.
- Sign your child's log after he or she reads.
- Encourage your child to buy books and build his or her personal library at home.
- Set a good example for your child by sharing your own reading experiences. Children are copycats—if they see you read, they will read too.
- Stay in contact with your child’s teacher about his or her reading progress.
- Keep it fun. Be sure not to test your child on the reading. Just enjoy it.
|
