Thank you
for reading our October 2009 newsletter!
Volume Three, Tenth Issue
WriteReading.com
is dedicated to Words that make the future brighter!
Your child now reads silently!
These newsletters have shown
how simple it can be to teach reading and writing skills using the Book of
Mormon as a primer (see previous newsletters, archived at the website above).
Hopefully, you have enjoyed spending a few minutes each day last month reading
with your child! Last month’s newsletter discussed when to add additional
verses and teach word definitions. This month’s newsletter will explain how to
begin to have your child read silently. (These important activities are not
just for children on a homeschool curriculum.)
Materials needed:
Your child will need a copy
of the Book of Mormon, a pencil or pen to mark with, and a comfortable place to
read.
Silent reading:
Before now you have been
reading the Book of Mormon together with your child sitting by their side. You
have built up to reading one scripture column a day. You have had your child
reread any words they misread or read very slowly (see February 2009
newsletter). You have explained to your child the meaning of one new word each
day. You have also begun to briefly summarize what was read. Occasionally you
have asked your child to summarize for you.
To get to this point your
child has advanced through many stages of development at a gradual rate. One
new change at a time has been made, and each step has been practiced until it
has become a routine. These activities have been kept brief to encourage
consistency. Reading and writing skills have emerged. Scripture study habits
have formed. Your child has become familiar with the important spiritual
lessons of the Book of Mormon. Over time, your child’s understanding of these
lessons will continue to grow. Continue to spend time reading other stories
with your child also. (More about this will be discussed later on.)
At this point your child is
ready to begin reading silently. Let your child choose a place to sit and read.
A quiet place isn’t as important as a place that is free from computer,
television, or video game distractions. Some children like background music or
the comfort found in the hum of other people nearby. Begin by having your child
read one page in the scriptures each day. Have your child underline any words
that are unfamiliar, and circle the page number when they are done reading that
page. After their silent reading, sit by your child and go over the meaning of
the underlined words. Then, have your child briefly summarize what was read,
and discuss it together, if needed.
As your child’s reading
improves, and few words are underlined, have your child build up to reading 20
minutes a day, or one chapter, whichever comes first (more is optional). If
home reading is required for school credit, have your child put the date (just
the day) next to each page (or chapter) to remind them of which days they read.
With consistency, your child can finish the Book of Mormon by the time they are
eight years old!
Happy reading, and good
luck!!
Hugs & wishes, Vicki
(o;`~
This
unique program uses the Book of Mormon to help a child:
·
grow closer to the things of God
·
develop a scripture reading habit
·
learn how to read and write
Helping a child learn or practice reading and writing skills can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. Head Start with the Book of Mormon: Using the Scriptures to teach Children Reading and Writing Skills, by Vicki Lynn Rasmussen (42 brief pages + 70 pages of flashcards) will give parents and grandparents the skills needed to nurture great readers using a simple scriptural plan—based on the top 50 words in the Book of Mormon. From a toddler hearing a story read to them, to a child reading silently, the three included phases will benefit all learners. Watch as your child also develops the habit of regular scripture use!
Thank
you for purchasing this book! What better gift can you give a child than the
gift of literacy? As referenced on the back cover, the author’s entire
royalties will be donated to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. This book can be
ordered at the website above, or purchased at local LDS booksellers.
Please email any questions, comments, or success stories you
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2007©LittleRasCo