P1’s got their first reading books home with them today in their reading folders. There are in the folder to help you with their reading. At the moment they are wordless books, The extended story is read to the child on the first day and then each evening children are encouraged to retell the story using the pictures.
Below are a few tips for sharing wordless picture books with a child:
- Spend time looking at the cover and talking about the book’s title. Based on those two things, make a few predictions about the story.
- Take a “picture walk” through the pages of the book. Enjoy the illustrations, Look carefully at the expressions on characters’ faces, the setting and the use of colour. Talk to each other about what you see. These conversations will enrich the storytelling.
- Enjoy the pictures and point out a few things, but don’t worry too much about telling a story yet. Just enjoy the pictures and get a sense of what the book is about.
- Go back through the book a second time and get ready for some great storytelling! Consider going first and acting as a model for your child. Ham it up! Have characters use different voices, add sound effects and use interesting words in your version of the book.
- Encourage your child to “read” you the book with his story. Focus on the words your child uses when he tells the story. Help your child expand his sentences or thoughts by encouraging him to add information from the illustration’s details. One way to encourage more details is by asking “W” questions: Who? Where? When? Why?
- Finish your wordless book sharing by asking a few simple questions: What pictures helped you tell the story? What was your favourite part of your story? Have you had an experience like the one in your story?
Sharing wordless books is a terrific way to build important literacy skills, including listening skills, vocabulary, comprehension — and an increased awareness of how stories are “built,” as the storyteller often uses a beginning, middle, end format. For a book with few words, you’ll be surprised at all the talking you will do, and all the fun you’ll have!
2021/22 ~ Primary 1/2 ~ Mr Macleod 