Mr. Shinton's Web Site

You can participate in your child's book without having to read the book with them.  I have included a few questions that will help you start a conversation about a book.  The most important strategy to engage students while reading is just showing interest in what they have read and asking questions so the story makes sense to you.

After they select a book, ask them:  

• Have they ever read another book by the same author?  
• What interested them in the book?
• Do they like the illustrations?

While they are reading a fiction story, ask them:

• Who is the main character?
• Do they know anyone in real life who is like this character?
• What is the problem that you have read about today?
• Can you predict what will happen when you read tomorrow?
• What other characters are in the story?
• Is there more than one problem in the story?
• Retell parts of the story that they just read.

While they are reading a non-fiction book, ask them:

• What details did you find the most interesting in what you have read so far?
• What else to you hope to find out about the topic of the book?
• Do you think you could find more information about what interested you?  Lets check on-line.
• Retell parts of the book topic that they just read.

When they are finished with the book ask them:

• Would you read another book by this author? (fiction)
• Would you read another book about this topic (non-fiction)
• What is the favorite part about the book you read? Why?
• Who would you recommend should read this book? Why?