Ideas for kids reading session

Example: Bubbles Finds a Red Ball by Sterling Press

Summary of the Story
Bubbles finds a red ball in the park. He is playing with it, when another boy comes looking for the ball. Bubbles honestly returns the ball to him. They become friends and play together.
Introducing the Story
• Read the title of the book on the cover, pointing to each word as you say it. Have your child repeat the title as you point to each word.
• Turn the page and point to the picture on the title page. Ask: What do you call these? (They are overalls.)

Reading the Story for the First Time
• Read the story, moving your finger under the words as you read.
• After reading the story, ask: What color ball do you have? Have we ever taken it to the park? Recalling the Story
• After you have finished reading, ask your child the, recall questions below. Continue to ask these questions when you reread the book, until he or she knows the answers. Reading the Story Again and Again (only with the child's permission)
• Give open-ended prompts on each page. For example, ask: What is happening in this picture? What does Bubbles do? Do less reading of the words to the story each time you read, leaving more and more of the "reading" or retelling to the child.
• Give prompts about objects or activities in the pictures. For example, ask: What is the policeman wearing? (It is a police uniform.) What toys were there on the shelf? (There is a helicopter, motorbike, a car etc.) Use your finger to point to what you are asking about. Evaluate the child's response. Expand by giving more information. Ask your child to repeat the answer. If he or she needs help in answering a question, ask that question again the next time you read the book.
• You may wish to discuss the prompts shown below. Building Literacy at Home. Support your child's learning at school.
• Read this book at least three times, following the instructions above.
• Your child can "picture read" Bubbles finds a red ball to another family member by explaining what is happening in each picture.
• With your child, make up another story about Bubbles. What might happen at a grocery store or a playground?
• Go to the park together. Help him pack a carry bag for the parks, a ball, a bottle, some snack etc. Recall parts of the story as you play at the park.
Recall Questions
Ask the following questions to check your child's understanding of the story.
1. What is the name of this book? (The book is called Bubbles finds a red ball.)
2. Where does Bubbles find the ball? (She takes him to the Park.)
3. What does Bubbles find? (He finds a ball.)
4. Why does Bubbles return the ball? (Explain the answer.)
5. What does Bubbles get in return for being honest? (A friend.)