Tracking Print

Tracking print is an important tool a beginning reader must learn.  Tracking print is when you point to each word as you read it aloud.  While reading with your child encourage them to track print as you read aloud or as you're reading together.  Tracking print helps your child learn new words by seeing them and hearing  you read them aloud.  Tracking print also lets you know if your child is paying attention while listening to a read aloud.  Children can track print with their finger, a pencil, or a cool pointer!  Modeling how to track print as you read aloud is important too!

How to read with a beginning reader

• Complete a picture walk BEFORE reading.
• Predict what may happen in the book.
• Model and encourage your child to track print.
• Read a word or sentence and have your child repeat it.
• Take turns reading each page.
• Talk about the story as you read.  What do you think will happen next? What does this story remind you of?
• Read the story again!  Repeated readings build fluency and confidence!

Choosing the Right Books

When reading with your child you want to find the "Goldilocks" of books.  You want a book that's not too hard, not too easy, but one that's just right.  Use these tips to find a book that is just right for your child.  

The Rule of Five

1. Open the book to any page.

2. Read the words on that page.

3. Count the number of words you cannot read.

4. Use your fingers to decide if this is a good book to read. 

one word: ok

two words: still ok

three words: you may need help

four words: tough to read

five words: too hard