3 elementary reading tips you didn’t learn until college
Print Edition
Times have changed.
What used to be considered good reading — reading with fluency, accuracy and a basic understanding of the text — is now considered superficial reading. Current reading research has brought deep comprehension of characters as well as an awareness of “author’s intent” into classroom conversations earlier than ever before.
At Concordia International School Shanghai, we first introduce the concept of theme (also called “author’s message” with younger students) in first grade. We teach students to study the reasons for and effects of an author’s organizational structure in third grade. Symbolism is explored in fourth grade. These days, literary analysis isn’t a task to complete after a book is finished; it’s part of what a skilled reader always does with any text.
But it’s hard.
How can parents help children analyze as part of their regular reading experience?
It starts when we read aloud to our young children and we talk with them about the texts we’re reading. We can always talk about characters — what they do, what motivates them, what troubles them, what they learn — but we can also talk about the author’s choices. When we bring the author into our conversation with children, we naturally invite analysis.
1. Honor powerful writing.
When reading aloud to your child, stay alert for beautiful passages. Pause in your reading to comment on the power of the language. Better yet, try to name what the author did that was so powerful. This brings the author’s craft into the conversation and makes the writing, not just the story, worthy of talk and consideration.
2. Notice repetition.
Authors are intentional, so if a phrase or an image is repeated again and again, it is likely significant. When you notice an author’s repetition, call attention to it. Then ask, “I wonder why the author repeats this (phrase/image). What bigger meaning might it hold?”
3. Seek lessons.
As readers, we need to approach texts anticipating that the author’s writing will affect or change us in some way. Throughout the book, but especially at the end, ask, “What is the author trying to convey?”
Literary analysis isn’t just for English majors anymore; it’s also for your seven-year-old.
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