Easing into Independent Reading

Easing into Independent Reading

Questions via phone, email, and social media pour into Heart of Dakota every day. As a placement specialist and homeschool mom of 25 years, I love connecting with homeschool families! Together, we find answers to those questions, and we make some pretty amazing action plans. These talks have been such a blessing, that it occurred to me they might be to you as well… and that is where the idea for this “Let’s Talk” series came from. So, precious homeschool mom… pull up a chair, take a much deserved break, and “Let’s Talk” about… Easing into Independent Reading!

The Paraphrased Question or Query

I have two in Creation to Christ – a 4th grade daughter and a 5th grade son. My daughter is doing well, but my son is having a harder time with the readings from The Story of the Ancient World. It helps if he knows the correlating Bible readings first, but the older style of writing and higher vocabulary are harder for him. Do you have any suggestions for easing into independent reading? I wasn’t sure if I should start out reading to him, or if I should have him read shorter sections and narrate back? I want to keep his confidence high, and I don’t want any unhealthy comparison happening since he is older.

Easing into Independent Reading Action Plan

The Story of the Ancient World is a more difficult book – still wonderful – but Carrie kept the readings short due to the reading level, vocabulary, length of sentences, etc. Definitely a step up! I would recommend setting a timer for 10 minutes and reading aloud to your son the first part of The Story of the Ancient World day’s reading. When it rings, your son should read what remains silently in his head. In a month or two, set the timer for less time – like eight minutes, then after another month or so, set it for five minutes, and finally – he will be reading it on his own.

This works well for multiple reasons!

1. First, you will have properly pronounced the names of people, events, and places. In the ancient world readings, these are some of the most difficult-to-sound-out words.
2. Second, your son will know the gist of the storyline already. So, contextually, he will better be able to figure out words.
3. Third, there won’t be a whole lot of reading left.

Let’s Talk the Details

I know it is tempting to have him read his part aloud to you, or to have your daughter alternate reading it aloud with him. I wouldn’t do this, as it interferes with comprehension at their age. They are too busy thinking how they sound as they read aloud – tone, fluency, pace, etc. Too much to think about that it makes it difficult to comprehend what they are reading!

So, since the two are combined, and you’d rather not have comparison happening (which I totally agree with) – I’d have your daughter do her independent Bible, independent Science, or math, or reading for DITHOR in a separate place in the house out of earshot. Then, they can swap after he’s done.

On a side note, Carrie did this with one of her sons (the setting the timer, reading aloud, him finishing silently reading, lessening the time until independence was achieved). It worked great! Today, that son is a wonderful reader!  So, it is just a matter of honing those great skills already in place! I think this is all your son will need for easing into independent reading and taking it over when ready!