Do you like to play Hangman?

I frequently use Spelling City to help with spelling words. One of our favorite activities on that site is Hangman. My daughter received a magnetic Hangman game last week and I realized it would be a great tool to work on spelling words. When the spelling words are first introduced, you could allow your child to keep the list out. He could even refer to the list during the game. Think about it: your child will repeatedly scan the list to find the correct word. You could also progress to removing the list. Another great way to play Hangman would be to tell your child the definition and have them "guess the correct word. Again, they could have the option to look at the list. Last week we played Hangman for hours. It was a great game for the 4 of us. We each tried to find clever words that were also very common. I got my family on the word "Hangman". It was a hoot! They couldn't believe I got them with the name of the game.

Happy spelling,
Susanne

Are you looking for some parent-led educational acitivities this summer?

I love the Scholastic website! There are so many fun activities! Check out the link below to find some interactive learning activities:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/learn.jsp?lnkid=TNav:SA:home&ESP=SA/ib//acq/main_tnav_SA///nav/txtl////

While you're reading to your kids next time, give 'em a big ole kiss! I love to snuggle while reading~ such a precious time with the little ones (that aren't so little anymore!).

Art and Reading Enrichment Camps

Abrakadoodle and Raising Readers are teaming up this summer to provide Art and Reading Enrichment Camps.

Are you looking for a fun, educational activity for your child (open to all K-6th graders) this summer? We are integrating literature with related art activities to inspire lifelong reading and imagination. A variety of books will be used to develop creative writing skills, reading comprehension and artistic expressions. Using art to demonstrate comprehension of literature is an indication of higher-order thinking. Spaces are limited.

When: June 15, 16 & 17 from 9 am-12 pm
July 13, 14 & 15 from 9 am-12 pm
July 20, 21 & 22 from 9 am-12 pm

Where: Eastwood Christian School
1701 East Trinity Blvd.

Tuition: $180 per session,
$30 deposit to hold your child’s space,$150 due first day of class

Contact: Susanne Estes
334-451-0917
raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com

Quantity, Quantity, Quantitiy

I have the pleasure of talking with concerned Mommas, Daddies, Teachers and Grandparents EVERY SINGLE DAY. It seems each family has a child that is struggling with reading. Here's the advice I give them. Read. Read a book. Read a magazine. Read a newspaper. Read a graphic novel. Read a cereal box. Read. Read some more. Your child should be reading every single day outside of the classroom. Your child should see you reading. Make sure your child is surrounded by books that interest him. Give your child the opportunity to buy or check out books. I know you want your child reading "War and Peace", "Little Women" and other valuable classics. However if she's not interested, let her start with Henry and Mudge, The Dish Series or My Weird School. The key with getting your child interested in reading, building fluency and increasing comprehension is quantity, quantity, quantity. It is not quality. I love to give book recommendations. If you're looking for some book recommendations for a specific need, please email me. raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com

Happy reading,
Susanne

Have you got 10 minutes a day to make a difference?

I am reading an amazing book, The Read-Aloud Handbook. I heartily recommend it for all parents, teachers and homeschoolers. In addition to stressing the value of reading orally to your children, (I wrote about this on a previous blog - look it up!) this book stress the importance of encouraging your child to read silently 10 minutes per day. Here's the kicker~ you should read silently aside your child. Why? What do you think it teaches your child when you sit down next to her and read? I believe it teaches her that SHE'S a priority and reading is a priority. I'm attaching a link to an article about SSR (Sustained Silent Reading). Thomas O'Neill is discussed in the article. You'll read about how Mr. O'Neill transformed his school through SSR. The article fails to mention, however, that Mr. O'Neill required his teachers to participate in SSR! Ooohh! I'd love to hear that faculty meeting when he mentioned this additional "requirement"!

Are you thinking that you don't have time to sit down with your child and read for 10 minutes? How many times did you check your email today? What about ESPN or Fox News? We have time to do what's a priority for us. Are you thinking that your child doesn't have time to sit for 10 minutes and read with you? Did he go to baseball today? Did she play on WebKinz? What about watch his favorite television show? Is that really more important than learning the life-long skill of reading? Are you thinking you really don't like to read books? How about a magazine? The newspaper? Any form of print media will work! (That applies to our kids, too.)

Now, go snag your kids, sit on the couch and READ!

Happy reading,
Susanne

http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/poland.html

If you feel like digging a little deeper. Here is "The Read-Aloud Handbook" in Google Books. Go to pages 19 and 20 to read about Mr. O'Neill.

http://books.google.com/books?id=B2_yUfmc6dsC&pg=PA19&lpg=PA19&dq=thomas+p.+oneill+lewenberg+middle+school&source=bl&ots=joqZ5KsUie&sig=zCfhF_aQ59pcz4oE0aUNvk7zcG4&hl=en&ei=XbXQS4LyO4ea8ASyr52ECg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CCAQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

New information to help you with your readers

I'm always looking for information on helping readers. Here's a neat post about ways to encourage creative writing. As a student, I always struggled with creative writing. I'm not very creative and the assignments just seemed silly. Describe a paper clip? Please! I'm not doing that! I think you'll enjoy these ideas, too!

Happy reading (and writing!),
Susanne

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/36692

How can you help your struggling reader?

I frequently talk to parents about their concerns for their struggling reader. There is one exceptionally easy and exceptionally effective way to strengthen your child's reading skills: read-alouds! All you have to do is find a book that is interesting to your child and read it to him. There you go~ that's it! You can do that! Scott and I both read to one of our children each night. You and your child can go to the library or Books-a-Million together and pick out a book. Then, read a chapter or two each night at bedtime. Currently, I'm reading "The 39 Clues" to Harrison and "Hotel for Dogs" to Anna Grace. We always look forward to our time together. One last tip: be sure to pick out a book y'all will both enjoy. Most of the time, I go to the library by myself and peruse our options. Then, I'll surprise the kids with my selection. Here is a sweet article about a father's commitment to oral reading:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/21/fashion/21GenB.html?pagewanted=2

Happy reading,
Susanne

How is your business going?

I've had many friends and family ask me about my business. So, I thought I'd make a blog post to let everyone know: IT'S GOING GREAT! I'm happy to report that my schedule is almost maxed out. I can only accept one or two other students right now. More importantly, though, I absolutely love it and I feel like I'm meeting the needs of children and their parents. They are constantly affirming our work. It is such a blessing to see these students recognize that I'm on their side. One of my students even told AG I was "cool"! How funny is that? I had another little one thank me for teaching her to read. That makes my heart smile! Just yesterday, one particular guy had a break-through. He asked me how many books he could borrow. He'd never willingly read a book before. Finally, I got this sweet note from a mama:
I am so grateful for you - I feel like I have a partner in this now and it feels very good to be proactive. Anna had so much fun at the session last week and I like that she knows that we are doing whatever it takes to help her as much as we can. I have told everyone about how much I appreciate your ideas - everything you have said makes so much sense to me and makes me feel like we are on the right path. Friends, this is a direct quote. All I did was change the name of the child. How sweet! Thank you for inviting me into your hearts and lives! I feel like I'm your partner in raising these precious readers.

Happy reading,
Susanne

Determining if a Book is Too Easy

Do you remember the story of Goldilocks? She tried various chairs, beds and porridge to determine which one was just right! Well, today I'm going to tell you about the Goldilocks Rule. That's how we can determine if a book is just right! There are two concepts to consider: is this book too hard or is it too easy? In a previous blog, I shared the "5 Finger Rule". This helps you determine if the book is too hard. How can you tell if the book is too easy?
1. You've read it multiple times in the past.
2. Do you understand the story without thinking through it?
3. Can you pronounce and define each word?
4. Can you read with fluidity without practice?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, you may need a book that's a little more challenging.

As a librarian-teacher, I'd always like to see a reader erring on the side of a book that's too easy, instead of a book that's too hard. Also, with struggling readers I always bring down their reading level. Even if it means reading 2 grade levels below them. It's only temporary and can offer lasting results.

Happy reading,
Susanne

Recurring theme in struggling/reluctant readers

Over the last few years, I've worked with hundreds of readers. There is a common theme in all of the struggling and reluctant readers: confidence. You may have seen this problem in your child, but don't know how to help. In my experience there are a few things you can do to develop confidence in your reader. The first and most important way you can develop confidence is to bring down their reading level. If your child is in third grade, check out second grade level books. If that doesn't work, bring it down to first. The key to remember with reading is quantity, quantity, quantity. The quality is of lesser importance. Your child can read educational or classic books in the future. Our goal is to get your child reading right now. When I work with children, we always work below grade level. When I see significant progress, then we'll move up a grade. The next way to develop confidence is affirmation. This may seem basic, but it is imperative. When you see your child working hard on their reading, compliment them. You can also find little ways to affirm them. You can make a chart with stickers and when a certain number of stickers are earned, they can get a reward. I don't recommend a high dollar item. These items can cause too much pressure. The key is relieving pressure~ not adding to it. Finally, develop confidence by exposing your child to something he's familiar with: hunting, skating, cooking, Disney World. It is always easier to understand something if you have a baseline of knowledge. As I've mentioned before, encourage your child to read aloud to a stuffed animal, younger sibling or family pet. The more time they spend reading out loud, more fluent reading will develop. If you have specific questions about confidence in your struggling or reluctant reader, please call me. 334-451-0917
Happy reading,
Susanne

Media and Our Children

The integration of media into our children's lives can be overwhelming for parents. How is it impacting your child and how can you monitor it? Check out Dr. Albert Mohler's article: http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/01/21/like-the-air-they-breathe-the-online-life-of-kids/

Happy reading,
Susanne

An update on Raising Readers

I hope y'all are staying warm on this cold, cold day! We've got Spring Fever at the Estes house. We are starting to make plans for warmer weather and I wanted to let you know how Raising Readers fits into your summer schedule. I will be tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting May 27th. On the occasions that we will be out-of-town on those days, I will schedule makeup sessions during the following week. If you have questions regarding Raising Readers, please call me!

Happy reading,
Susanne
451-0917

Do you have a picky reader?

We've all heard of picky eaters ~ I have one in my house ~ but have you heard of a picky reader?  A picky reader only wants to read about pirates, princesses, or some other specific subject/author/series.  As a librarian, I am sometimes frustrated by these picky readers.  However, it's best to step back and be thankful they want to read!  How can you find books on the appropriate reading level that are interesting to your little reader?  Check out this link:  Advanced AR Book Finder.  Obviously, this site is affiliated with Accelerated Reader.  I use it for my kids as well as students I tutor with Raising Readers.  You can enter a reading level with a subject, title or author.  Here's an example.  My daughter is in the first grade and she l-o-v-e-s pirates.  I'd go to the book finder and type in "pirate" in the title.  Then, I'd select the radio button beside "Contains".  These two little steps are going to find any book that have the word pirate in the title.  Next, for interest level I will select, "Lower Grades".  Finally, I'd put in the ATOS level.  Since she's in first grade, I could do "1.0 to 1.9".  If they're not reading on grade level, you could enter a level higher or lower.  For these purposes, I put in "1.0 to 1.9".  When I hit "Go", 6 books came up.  I can look through these books and see if they look interesting and figure out if my local library has them.  Play around with this a little.  You will learn how to get more specific or broad.  Alright, gotta run find "A Band of Dirty Pirates" for my daughter! 
Happy Reading!
Susanne

Creative Idea for Halloween Candy

I can't take credit for this idea. My sweet friend Aileen gave me this idea and I think it's g-r-e-a-t! Whenever her kids finish reading a book, they get a piece of candy. It doesn't matter if they've already brushed their teeth for the night or supper is on the table. Aileen keeps "Dove Promises" and "Hershey Kisses" in a special jar that is only used for this treat. When I was going through our mounds of candy last night, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to stockpile some special candies for a little encouragement. Do you have any creative ideas you'd like to share?