Lower+School+Main+Page

Please do check out the web sites listed at the end of the article. They are great!**
 * I picked this up from an LD web site. I hope Ms. Meyer won't mind me dropping into this site. I found it very informative and helpful.

by Marianne S. Meyer** **Parents of children with dyslexia or reading problems often ask,** "What can I do to help my child read better?" You don't need special books or lesson plans to make a big difference. One of the best ways is to talk to--and with--your child. Why? Because when children can't read words easily, they rely more heavily on listening and discussing to learn new word meanings.
 * FUN WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR CHILD'S VOCABULARY

Vocabulary is critical for reading comprehension, as well as listening, discussing, and writing. Even if your child can pronounce and read a word, that doesn't mean he or she really knows its meaning. Here's what you can do to help: Everyday Vocabulary Strategies The goal is for your child to "own a word" or "have it in his or her pocket" to use it any time he or she wants for reading, talking, and writing. //**Use new words repeatedly. Multiple repetitions help cement meaning**.// Sometimes children learn new words after hearing them only once or twice, but more complicated words may require many repetitions in various contexts.
 * Create a "language rich" environment by**
 * naming and describing objects or actions
 * explaining things
 * giving reasons
 * asking questions
 * Encourage your child to use new words he or she hears.**

//**Connect new words with information they already know**.//

Keep in mind your child's age and developmental level and then use words just slightly above it. Be specific. Explain the distinctions and demonstrate if you can. For example, //Take the time to listen to your child's comments and opinions.//
 * Use vocabulary just above your child's level.**
 * It's not just a "dog," it is a "collie."
 * It's not just "walking," it is "strolling.

//Encourage questions.// Questions show your child is curious and thinking.

"Wow, great use of that word." Words are fun, intriguing, and challenging. Fun Ways to Learn New Words
 * Show your enthusiasm and excitement when your child uses a new word.**

Discuss what you see in your neighborhood, in the grocery story, or at the mall: //Take trips.// Visit a museum, farm, factory, the shore, mountains, or the prairie. Encourage your child to __describe__ what he or she sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches. How does it make your child __feel emotionally__? Ask your child and share your own sensations and feelings.
 * Talk about everyday experiences.**
 * __Name and describe__ what you see
 * __Compare__ it to other similar things
 * Put it in a __category__
 * Explain its __function__ (Example: a station wagon opens in back for large objects; it is larger than a sedan but smaller than a truck; a vehicle used for transportation)

//Talk to each other during dinner.// Ask open-ended questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer: Listen carefully and then __rephrase__, using more advanced words. (Example: "That bird was a gosling, a baby goose.")
 * What did you do today?
 * What fun thing happened?
 * How did you feel about that?

//Play Word Basket.// Put words from experiences or readings in school in a basket on the dinner table. Each person (including adults) pulls one out and __uses the word in a sentence__. Have adults make mistakes so the child can correct them.

//Read, read, read.// Read books, newspapers, and magazines with your child. Select __books__ to read to your child that are "just right" for their listening level. __Preview__ a few key words before you start. Periodically ask your child to __predict__ what will happen next. Encourage your child to __retell__ the story using new words. Look for __sports and entertainment articles__ with rich, exciting words that will capture their attention.

Choose words your child knows or is learning and put them in a hat. Have each person pick out one word and act out its meaning without speaking until someone guesses it. Resources
 * Play Charades.**
 * [|www.vocabulary-vocabulary.com/parent-resources.php]**


 * [|www.pbskids.org/lions/games]**


 * [|http://www.funbrain.com/brain/ReadingBrain/ReadingBrain.html]**


 * [|www.inspiration.com]**


 * [|www.eduplace.com/tales]**

//Marianne S. Meyer, M.A., was a school psychologist in Minnesota and North Carolina before becoming a neurobehavioral researcher and instructor in the Section on Neuropsychology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, a position from which she is now retired.//