NSPAC presents seminar on guiding reading choices

The Northborough-Southborough Special Education Parents Advisory Council (NSPAC) will hold a seminar Tuesday night on guiding reading choices to support reading development. The event is free and open to the public. Here are the details:

Guiding Reading Choices to Support Reading Development
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location:   Trottier Middle School Auditorium
Presenter: Ilda Carreiro King, Ph.D.

Choosing the “right book” is an important part of developing reading skills during the elementary years.  To make the most progress, books should be carefully matched to the reader’s needs: mostly easy, some just right and a few slightly challenging (but not frustrating). Students learn best, like adults, when the task is within their control, uses their strengths, and motivates them to read for entertainment or learning.

Teachers guide student choices by measuring student reading development using readability levels (RLs). Teachers ask your child to read a selection at a certain RL. They then determine a student’s fluency, accuracy and comprehension. This information helps them to select those books that will support skill growth and love of learning. By sharing this information with students and their parents, we can all work together to develop good readers.

At this presentation, Dr. King will explain:

• What is a readability level (RL)?
• How do I find out the RL of different books?
• What is the right mix and range of RLs for my child when choosing books?
• What skills can I support informally at home while children are reading?