5 Back to School Reading Habits for ESL Kids
Explore five effective reading habits that can enhance English reading comprehension for ESL children as they head back to school.
5 Back to School Reading Habits for ESL Kids
As the new school year approaches, many parents of ESL (English as a Second Language) children find themselves facing a familiar challenge: how to ensure that their kids not only read English but also understand it. It’s a common frustration — your child can read the words on the page but struggles to grasp the story's meaning. You might ask, "Did you understand what you just read?" only to meet a blank stare.
This scenario is not uncommon, and you're not alone. According to research by the National Reading Panel, reading comprehension is crucial, accounting for about 60% of reading success. For ESL learners, this percentage can be even lower due to language barriers and vocabulary gaps. The good news is that there are actionable strategies you can implement starting tonight to help your child develop effective reading habits.
Here are five research-backed habits to enhance your child's reading comprehension as they head back to school.
1. Establish a Daily Reading Routine
Creating a consistent reading routine can significantly improve your child's comprehension skills. Research indicates that children thrive on routine, and regular reading times can help solidify their learning habits.
How to Create a Reading Routine
- Set a Fixed Time: Choose a specific time each day dedicated to reading. This could be right before bedtime or after school.
- Make it Cozy: Designate a comfortable reading spot with good lighting and minimal distractions.
- Choose Engaging Books: Select books that match your child's interests and reading level. For instance, The Gruffalo is a fantastic choice for younger ESL learners, combining engaging illustrations with a fun story.
By establishing a reading routine, you set the stage for improved literacy. To dive deeper into creating effective routines, check out our guide on creating reading routines.
2. Utilize Dialogic Reading Techniques
Dialogic reading is an interactive approach that promotes engagement and comprehension. Instead of simply reading the text, parents can encourage children to participate in the storytelling process.
Steps for Dialogic Reading
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: While reading, pause and ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
- Encourage Predictions: Prompt your child to predict what might happen in the story. This strategy not only boosts engagement but also improves critical thinking skills.
- Use the Book’s Pictures: Encourage your child to describe the illustrations. This helps them make connections between text and visual elements, enhancing understanding.
Research by Dr. Grover Whitehurst emphasizes the effectiveness of dialogic reading in improving children's vocabulary and comprehension. For more techniques, our complete guide to dialogic reading offers detailed strategies.
3. Focus on Vocabulary Development
A rich vocabulary is essential for reading comprehension. ESL learners often struggle with unfamiliar words, which can hinder their understanding of the text.
Strategies for Vocabulary Building
- Word Mapping: Choose a few new words each week from the books you read together. Use a word map to define the word, use it in a sentence, and draw a related picture.
- Real-Life Connections: Encourage your child to connect new words to their daily experiences. For instance, if you read about “ocean” in a book, relate it to a recent trip to the beach.
- Use Context Clues: Teach your child to use context clues to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. This skill will empower them to tackle new texts independently.
Incorporating vocabulary-building exercises into your reading routine can yield significant improvements in comprehension. For a comprehensive approach, refer to our ultimate guide on reading comprehension.
4. Encourage Independent Reading
Promoting independent reading is a key factor in enhancing your child’s reading skills. This allows them to explore texts at their own pace and develop a love for reading.
Tips for Independent Reading
- Create a Reading Corner: Set up a special place in your home filled with a variety of books. Include titles from our list of the best books for ESL that cater to your child's interests and reading level.
- Let Them Choose: Allow your child to select the books they want to read. When children have a say in their reading material, they are more likely to engage with the text.
- Set Reading Goals: Encourage your child to set achievable reading goals, such as finishing a certain number of books each month. Celebrate their achievements to keep them motivated.
Research shows that independent reading not only improves comprehension but also fosters a lifelong love for reading.
5. Discuss What They Read
Encouraging discussions about the books your child reads can significantly enhance their comprehension skills. Talking about the story helps to reinforce understanding and encourages critical thinking.
How to Facilitate Discussions
- Ask Specific Questions: After reading, ask questions that require your child to recall details and express opinions. For example, “Who was your favorite character and why?” or “What was the main problem in the story?”
- Relate to Real Life: Encourage your child to relate the story’s themes or characters to their own life experiences. This connection can deepen their understanding and make reading more relevant to them.
- Summarize Together: Practice summarizing the story together. Ask your child to retell the story in their own words, which can reinforce their understanding and help them remember key elements.
Engaging in discussions not only improves comprehension but also strengthens your child's communication skills.
About the Author
Written by Kelly Farmer, an ESL educator with 22 years of experience teaching English in Japan. Kelly founded Jabble English schools and created the WeRead Method while teaching his own bilingual child.
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