Abstract

Putting Research to Use, an article from the Fall 1998 issue of The Tutor, synthesizes research on 13 core understandings about how children learn to read and presents activity, ideas, and strategies for use by reading tutors. Practices include weaving the child's experiences into reading, creating a literary-rich setting, and using other activities (such as music) to encourage literacy skills.

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Issue

In designing tutoring programs and activities for young readers, program planners strive to make the best use of research and put the findings into practice. By having a better understanding of how children learn to read and engage their environment, reading tutors can develop appropriate and innovative literacy activities.

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Action

Effective practices for helping children learn to read include:

• Talk directly to the child about her past reading experiences and interests.
• Use oral storytelling, group construction of stories, and play acting to involve children together in learning to read.
• Have the child write and illustrate a story, or dictate a story to you.
• Have the child construct a sequel to her favorite book.
• Create a literary-rich environment with literacy walls, reading resources, and other materials, both in the teaching environment and at home.
• Encourage the child to share her experiences and build relevant learning experiences for her.
• Teach children the rules and conventions of reading in conjunction with larger discussions about books.
• Read poetry aloud; use magnetic poetry kits to allow children to hear and play with language.
• Have the child make note of all the "texts" in her life: e.g., lists, menus, and puzzles.
• Use linguistic, logical, musical, and other activities.
• Create a portfolio of the child's work and review it regularly.

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Context

These practices are based on research that synthesizes core understandings of how children learn to read. While the activities presented were created with one-on-one tutoring in mind, they can be successfully modified and adapted to fit varying program needs.

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Citation

Blake, Amy. (1998). Putting research to use: Activities that help children read. The Tutor, pg. 12-15. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

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Posted On

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For More Information

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Resources

Braunger, Jane and Jan Patricia Lewis. (1997). Building a Knowledge Base in Reading (First Edition). Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

Source Documents

Related Practices

• Understanding how children learn to read
• Creating productive one-on-one adult/child tutoring
• Selecting appropriate books to read with children

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