1. Show Caregivers Samples of Texts and Writing About Reading
In order to powerfully illustrate a student’s progress, try showing caregivers what their child was reading at the beginning of the year vs. what they are currently able to read. Talk through some of the characteristics of each book so caregivers can see how the text difficulty is increasing. Show samples of the child’s writing about their reading from their Reader’s Notebook, noting how their thinking as a reader has developed over time.
2. Use Meaningful Language
Use everyday language that caregivers can understand to discuss their child’s progress. For example, “your child is meeting expectations in reading” or “your child is not meeting the expectations for reading at this time, but we have a plan for getting them where they need to be.” Caregivers want reassurance that their child is on track or that they are getting the additional support they need to catch up.
3. Discuss Each Child’s Engagement with Reading
Share with caregivers what you have observed about their child as a reader –– their tastes and preferences, their favorite genres, and authors. Tell them about the ways that their child has been able to participate in conversations about books. Talk about the ways you have noticed their child is making an effort or showing initiative as a reader.
4. Encourage Book Discussion at Home
A child’s talk reflects their thinking. When caregivers talk with their children about books, it confirms their child’s identity as a reader and builds interpersonal connection. Encourage caregivers to engage children in conversation (rather than interrogation) about the books they read together. Encourage caregivers to focus the conversation on whatever interests their child and on what is meaningful to them. You might want to provide some very open-ended prompts for comprehension that they can use to get their child talking, such as:
What are you thinking?
What are you wondering about?
What did you notice?
Talk more about that.
5. Recommend a Trip to the Library
Remind caregivers that authentic opportunities to choose books that interest and engage their child is an important part of being a reader. There is no place better than the local library for families to discover new books or reread old favorites together. Librarians are incredible resources for finding just what you are looking for and for recommending exciting new titles.