Thank you
for reading our September 2009 newsletter!
Volume Three, Ninth Issue
WriteReading.com
is dedicated to Words that make the future brighter!
Adding additional verses!
Hopefully, you are enjoying
spending a few minutes each day reading with your child! 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). Refer to last month’s newsletter for a more detailed explanation on how
to read verses together with your child. This newsletter will discuss when to
add additional verses and when to teach word definitions. (These important
activities are not just for children on a homeschool curriculum.)
Materials needed:
You will need a copy of the
Book of Mormon, and a pointer such as a pencil or pen. Sit together
side-by-side where there is plenty of light.
Reading together:
Before you begin reading
with your child for the day, circle the verse numbers of the two verses that
you will be reading, or, if your child is able, have them do this. This will
keep track of where you are reading, and help your child see their progress. It
will also help your child see how much they will need to read each day.
Now, take turns reading
aloud: read aloud to your child the words they do not know, and let your child
read the words they know that are in between. Use your pointer to either
underline your child’s words as you get to them, or, just pause on their word
with your pointer. If your child does not need their words underlined anymore,
then remember to keep your pointer on their word until you get to the next word
that you want your child to read. Don’t forget to have your child reread any
words that are misread or read slowly (see February 2009 newsletter).
When your child can easily
read their words, have them try and read one word in each verse that is new to
them. So far your child has just been reading the top 50 words from the Book of
Mormon that they learned on the flash cards. Now they will be using the skills
they learned when they used the alphabet flashcards to learn all the letter
sounds. Try to choose a word you think your child will be able to sound out.
When your child has become
comfortable with practicing two new words each day, it is time to begin reading
three verses a day. At this point it is a good idea to begin teaching your
child the meaning of new words. Unless your child asks for more, set a goal to
explain the meaning of one new word each day. Be sure to explain using simple words
that your child will be able to understand. If a verse is very long, you may
want to read only one or two verses.
It is most important that
you add words to your child’s vocabulary, rather than adding verses. Only add
words or verses in a manner that keeps it just a little bit challenging to your
child. When your child is ready, then read four verses together each day. This
is a good time to begin summarizing what was read. Tell your child what the
verses were about in a couple of sentences. The maximum amount of verses to read
with your child is one column (the number of verses will vary). As your child’s
reading improves, occasionally have them try and summarize what was read.
The stages or steps
throughout this program should be advanced gradually. Before making any changes
to your routine, make sure your child has become comfortable at the current
stage. This will help make the transition to the next step go smoothly. It is
easier to learn at a more gradual pace. To keep your child progressing, make a
habit of spending a little time each day to practice reading and writing
skills. Keeping the activities short and simple will help keep it fun! Next
month’s newsletter will discuss when to have your child begin to read silently.
ADDING VERSES:
- You (or your child) will circle the numbers of
the two verses that you will read.
- Take turns reading: your child reads the words
they know, you read the ones in between.
- When your child can read their words easily,
have them read one new word per verse.
- When your child can read their new words easily,
read three verses together each day.
- When you are done reading three verses, explain
the meaning of one new word each day.
- Continue to have your child read new words or
add another verse.
- When you are done reading four verses each day,
briefly summarize what was read.
- Occasionally have your child try to summarize
what was read.
- Add verses until you are reading one column
together in the scriptures.
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
have to:
Thank you, and I hope to chat with you again soon!
Hugs & wishes, Vicki (o;`~
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