Literacy Training

Context:

One key to tutoring success is choosing books that are appropriate to the reading level of the child being tutored. For emergent readers in particular, it is crucial that the child not be overwhelmed or lose confidence because a book is too difficult. Tutors need help to become familiar with books that support very early readers, and this activity can provide that training. It can be offered at the beginning of the year or on multiple occasions, as needed.

Goals:

To become familiar with books that particularly support the learning needs of early/emergent readers

Materials/Preparation:

Go to your local library (or school library) and ask the librarian to help you collect a group of books for beginning readers. These books should have a limited amount of print and might feature a rhyme, a pattern, or a repetitive phrase throughout. If your program is in a school, kindergarten and first-grade teachers or the reading resource teacher can also help you.

Activity:

Have your tutors read the books and notice what they have in common, such as how the print is arranged, the relationship between the pictures and the words, the number of words on a page, and the use of pattern, repetition, and rhyme. Think about how these books support emergent readers and how they can be used to support the learning of the specific children that participants tutor. Participants can compile a bibliography as a resource for other tutors and the program.

Key Questions and Points to Remember:

It is important to ensure that tutors know the characteristics of books for emergent readers so that they can adequately support their learning needs.