Proficient Reading Phase

Proficient readers use many ways to identify unknown words and comprehend texts. Reading is automatic and when they encounter difficult texts, they make decisions about the best way to deal with them. Proficient readers challenge and question information within texts, e.g.  question validity and accuracy, compare characters to real life people, link information to their personal experiences.

Proficient readers will benefit from a range of experiences. Consider any of the following suggestions.

• Read to your child regularly. Proficient readers still benefit from hearing others read quality texts.
• Encourage your child to choose texts to read on a daily basis, respecting the choices made.
• Encourage your child to read a wide variety of texts for different purposes. These may include: reading biographies and research articles for information, giving instructions for using new appliances, reading articles from community and national newspapers, to keep informed, reading science fiction or fantasy for enjoyment.
• Participate in discussions with your child, talking about the text, posing questions and clarifying ideas.