“What’s that letter?” (Let’s say it’s ‘g’) | “Oh, look at that. Hmm, I wonder what that letter is called.” (You can wonder all day without putting any pressure on the reader.) If no response then start to give clues. “I remember a picture to go with that letter, I wonder if I find the letter on the alphabet chart.” Your reader will be trying to find it by now too. Let him. If no response – “There it is! Ahh, goat.” If no response TELL HIM! “G.” You now know he doesn’t know anything about ‘g’. | If the reader doesn’t know the letter then asking him twice while jabbing your finger at the letter is not going to make him remember the answer. If he does know the name he will tell you very quickly after your first ‘I wonder’ statement. He will be trying to beat you to the answer –all children like a bit of competition – as long as it’s fair and there is a chance of succeeding! |
“What’s that word?” (Let’s say it’s ‘horse’) | “You’ve stopped. Try the first sound.” Child: “H h h house!” You: “House starts with h, you’re right! Check the picture, is there a house in it? Is the story about a house? No? Ah, horse! You fixed up your mistake! Fabulous reading my darling!!” | If she knew it she would have already read it to you! Find something to praise in all attempts. |
"No" | See above. Try to accept every answer, and praise something about it. The only time this doesn’t apply is when the reader has had enough and is grumpy and stubborn, or being silly. Then I would give a warning, then close the book and say we’ll try again later. Another tactic is to offer to read 1 page each to the end. Reading should never be a chore – only a delight. | Success Success Success |
Cover the picture! | Discuss the picture. It is a vital part of the system of clues. | It helps children to attempt words, anticipate the coming story and relate the book to their own lives. It’s not cheating. |
