Category: News

We can all relate to having a child come home from school on a bad foot. Knowing how to pick up the pieces from their bad day can be hard, especially when we don’t understand the cause.

Trying to help with a load of questions might make it worse and turn a tough day into a full-on tantrum in seconds. So what can you do?

When we give our kids time and space to process their emotions safely, we let them develop their emotional processing abilities in a secure environment.

Your home is their sanctuary; kids can be tired, grumpy, or moody, and some days, having those feelings in a safe space is precisely what’s needed to let off steam after a tough day at school.

You won’t be able to stop them from having a bad day, but you can help them reset once they are home. Here are some ideas from the team at our Atlanta Christian school.

1. Let Them Vent

Have you ever just needed to get a problem off your chest? It is the same for kids. They are still developing their language skills, and it can be harder for them to express themselves when they are feeling big emotions.

Give them time to vent because, at that moment, they do not need answers or helpful suggestions. They need to get it all out.

2. Hug it Out

Once they have ranted, you can hug them. Hugs from parents make kids feel safe and give reassurance. When kids get a hug, their brain releases oxytocin, the love hormone. Oxytocin increases emotional bonds and helps with social recognition and learning.

Hugging it out after an emotional outburst reinforces constructive solutions for bad days.

3. Change the Scenery

Your child is finally home from school. So what next? On a typical day, this might be the time for your after-school routine—maybe homework or chores.

But after a tough day, kids need a little more time to regulate and might struggle to go straight into their normal routine. Try changing the setting. Take a walk together in nature. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outside can have a calming influence and be a great reset for everyone.

4. Encourage Everyone to Talk

Talking about our emotions is a learned skill. It does not come naturally for everyone, and we need to teach our kids how to do it.

Ask open-ended questions about their day, like “How are you feeling about X?” or “Why do you think Y happened?” Open questions help kids identify and describe their emotions. Younger kids might need a second question to help them work out the specific emotion they are feeling. For example, you could ask: “Are you feeling good or bad about X?” or “Did X make you feel sad, tired, embarrassed, mad, or something else?”

These conversations can help kids feel like home is a safe space to communicate. They can validate kids and boost their self-esteem; on bad days, they can speed up the reset process.

5. Nurture Positive Perspectives

We have all been there: We find something so frustrating that we shout, “Ugh, I just can’t do this!” Kids get the same feeling, but it can have a considerable knock-on impact. They don’t know that the feeling is only frustration, and their negative thoughts can take over.

Let’s take math. You may remember having bad days at school when you learned something new in math and couldn’t quite catch on to it right away. You might have gotten upset and declared, “I will never understand!” or “I’m too stupid to do this.”

Negative perspectives are normal but left unchecked, they can harm a child’s self-esteem. If that negative thought is related to learning, like in the math example above, it could build an emotional barrier and lead to more bad days.

Encourage kids to put a positive spin on difficult situations. As their grown-ups, we know that it is just not true that they are “too stupid” or “will never understand.” So we encourage them to rephrase to something like “I don’t understand now, but with practice, I will,” or “I need more time to get this right.”

Positive affirmations help to nurture an enduring, positive perspective. Try something together called “Two Stars and a Wish,” where you share two awesome things from your day and one thing you wish had gone differently.

6. Practice Gratitude

Along with positivity, encourage gratitude. Keep a family gratitude jar or journal by the kitchen table and have the whole family share at least one thing they are grateful for during dinner.

7. Get Your Bodies Moving

Our bodies do not like to be still all the time. When kids have to sit quietly at school for an extended time, they can end up feeling big emotions and making poor choices.

To improve the mood, get some wiggles out. When your child first gets home, kick off a dance party, take a walk, play a game of tag, or throw a ball.

Movement offers so many health benefits. It triggers the release of endorphins, which helps kids feel good and reduce stress and anxiety. It helps kids burn off excess energy and let go of tension.

8. Draw a Line on the Day

Whatever happened that day ends at bedtime, and the next day is a fresh start. Mark the day off on the calendar to officially put it to rest.

Bad Days Will Happen

It is normal to have the odd bad day. How we handle a bad day is up to us.

When kids can talk about their feelings and have a safe space to work them out, they will develop emotional skills and resilience for dealing with those inevitable bad days.

If you love reading and have children, you likely want to share that passion with them. In a perfect world, kids would read not just because they have to but simply for the joy of reading.

Why Is Independent Reading So Important?

Reading is how we gain knowledge about everything from science to humanities. It exposes us to new ideas and cultures and helps us think critically about the world around us. That’s why we prioritize helping our young students learn to read through our phonics-based reading curriculum.

We want our students to take the skills they learn in school and transfer them to independent reading. New worlds await them in the form of books and articles. We know that helping children become joyful, independent readers will set them up for greater success at school and beyond.

What Is Independent Reading?

Independent reading occurs when learners spend an extended amount of time reading a book of their choice. Independent reading helps kids feel self-reliant, encourages them to make their own decisions, and fosters a genuine love of reading. Their independent reading book is not something they must read for school; it is something they have chosen to read for fun.

Adults may need to help kids choose books that match their reading level and verify that they understand what they are reading. However, independent reading is mostly a chance for kids to feel free to read without the limits of an assigned text.

Independent Reading Impacts Achievement

While offering a joyful pastime, independent reading can do so much more. Students who engage in independent reading show improved confidence and a better attitude towards learning at school.

When students can choose their books, it helps them take ownership of their reading. They can discover what they do or do not like in a book or identify favorite genres and writing styles.

Engaged, independent readers quickly show improved reading proficiency and get a big boost to their vocabularies and general literacy. Kids can enjoy reading at their own pace and without a deadline.

We sometimes lose sight of reading for pleasure. Life gets busy, and we focus more on set texts or test preparation. But reading for pleasure is not just an indulgent hobby; it should be an essential part of our lives.

Try These Tips to Cultivate a Love of Reading

1. Make Time to Read

Set aside 15 to 20 minutes a day for independent reading. Reading before bed is a great time, especially for older kids. While screen time before bed can spin kids up, reading can calm them down.

2. Lead by Example

Being a joyful, independent reader is not just for kids. It can become part of a shared family experience. Read when your kids are reading and demonstrate how much fun it can be. You could even read the same books as your kids and discuss them together.

3. Visit Your Local Library

Books are expensive, and if your kids become voracious independent readers, they might want more books than you have at home. Head over to your local library, and you can all choose a new book. Librarians can help you pick from a big selection of genres ranging from graphic novels to nonfiction to historical fiction. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Make a Cozy Corner

It can be easy to get distracted when trying to read. If you create a quiet and cozy reading area away from the TV, everyone will want to curl up there with their book.

5. Keep a Reading Log

Keeping a reading log is a great way to keep track of books you have read and questions or thoughts you had while reading.

A reading log is also helpful if your child is reading something you are unfamiliar with because you can use their log reflections to help start a conversation about their chosen book.

6. Host a Book Related Event

Hosting a book-related event requires more effort, but it can be very fun and meaningful. If your child and their friends have the same interests, you could host a monthly book club and watch the joy of their shared fun through a buddy read. You could facilitate a group discussion afterward.

A book swap is a great, free way to get different books into your home. Everyone brings a fun book they no longer need and lays it out on a table. Then, kids can pick a book from the selection to take home.

7. Attend a Book Event

Check out events at your local library or independent bookstores. There are many free-to-attend seasonal events, author visits, or book festivals throughout the year. These can give your child something to look forward to and pique their interest in reading.

Some annual local events in the area include Decatur’s Children’s Book Festival and the Children’s Book Festival hosted by Fulton County Library.

8. Read Aloud to Each Other

Taking turns reading aloud is a fantastic way to promote independent reading. While you are reading, you are modeling good reading practice. When you listen to your child read, you show them that reading is a worthwhile activity.

Reading aloud also gives you a chance to hear how your child’s reading has improved and how they may need help.

9. Encourage Wider Reading

Choosing books is an essential part of independent reading, but kids can sometimes get stuck in a rut. They may only read a particular author or not know what to pick after finishing a great series.

Encourage your child to broaden their reading horizons by finding comparable authors or suggesting a book of a different genre that is centered on things they enjoy (history, animals, etc.).

A “try it and see” attitude is great for independent reading. Make sure your child doesn’t feel locked into books they genuinely don’t enjoy. This is their fun reading time, so they can move on and try something else.

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Infographic

If you love reading and have children, you likely want to share that passion with them. Ideally, kids would read for the joy of it. Check out this infographic for tips on fostering a love of reading.

Learning how to read is exceptionally important for children. Not only is it a fundamental part of their early educational journey, but it will support lifelong learning.

What is Reading for Meaning?

The best reading curriculums are phonics-based. Students must learn to systematically sound out words. But decoding is only useful if students can understand the meaning of the words they are sounding out.

In addition to phonics skills, they need strong reading comprehension to derive meaning and application from the words on the page. These are skills that give their reading purpose and help them understand and enjoy their reading more.

You Play an Important Part in This

Home and family life support school learning, and this support is essential for students’ progress. To help your child learn to read with purpose, you can do seven straightforward things to encourage and support their learning.

1. Make Sure Reading is at the Right Level

Help your child by ensuring they have books at the right level. If stories are too easy, your child will be bored; if reading is too hard, they will be discouraged. If you need clarification, check with your child’s teacher.

2. Match Their Interests

A good learning-to-read curriculum is engaging and educational. Learners who are having fun learn better. An easy way to help your child get immersed in reading is to provide them with books that pique their interest. And when they’re immersed in reading, they’re broadening their exposure to new ideas and new vocabulary–both of which enhance comprehension.

3. Discuss Before You Start Reading

Before you start reading with your child, use the book’s cover and title to discuss what they think the story might be about. These predictions will help them begin to read meaningfully and give them a purpose for reading—to find out if their predictions were correct.

4. Ask Literal Questions

Asking literal questions helps your child read purposefully and find meaning. These could be who, what, where, when, or why-based questions. There is usually just one main answer to these questions, so it is a quick way to check a child’s understanding and help improve their confidence.

If your child does not know the answer, go back and ask more questions. For example, let’s say you’re reading “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” and your child does not know whose porridge was just right. You could look back at that page with your child, rereading the key sentence(s) together. Then, lead with more questions. For example, try giving choices such as, “Was Mama Bear’s porridge or Baby Bear’s porridge just right?”

5. Ask Inferential Questions

As your child’s reading comprehension improves, you can ask inferential questions to check that they have found the correct meaning in their reading. These questions do not have a clear answer in the text, so the reader must apply critical thought to answer them.

An example might be, “How do you think Baby Bear felt when he found somebody had eaten his porridge?” or “Why do you think Goldilocks tried all the different porridges?”

Remember, there may be more than one answer to inferential questions. If your child says Baby Bear was sad or angry, ask them how they know this. Their answer will show you how well they understood the story’s meaning.

6. Discuss Word Definitions

Even if you have picked a book with the right reading level for your child, there will likely be unfamiliar words. If you encounter an unfamiliar word, pause reading the story and discuss it together.

Have your child sound out the word phonetically. See if they can guess its meaning based on context clues. If not, you can provide the definition.

7. Reflect Together After Reading

Reflecting together will help your child think critically about what they have just read. You could do this in many ways depending on their reading ability. You could ask your child to tell you their favorite part or ask them to summarize the whole story. You could also ask your child to rate the story from 1 to 5 and explain why they chose that rating.

Practice Makes Perfect

Reading this way with your child may add a few more minutes to their storytime, but it can set them up to derive rich meaning from the words on the page.

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Home and family support are essential for students’ learning. To help your child read purposefully, follow the seven strategies in this infographic that encourage and enhance their reading skills.

Kids generally start learning how to read in kindergarten, and there’s no better way to teach reading skills than through a systematic, research-backed, phonics-based curriculum. However, some words just don’t play by the rules.

There are certain irregular words that crop up at the earliest levels that can’t be sounded out. Children can improve their reading fluency when they commit these words to memory.

Here, we will help you understand what irregular words are, determine whether your child is ready to learn them, and, most importantly, make this learning experience fun for your kindergartener.

What Are Irregular Words?

Irregular words do not follow the phonics “rules,” meaning their letters don’t correspond predictably with sounds. For example, in the word “do,” you would expect the O to make its short /o/ sound (like in the word cot). But in this case, it says /oo/. Other examples of irregular words include: “do,” “are,” “you,” “be,” “was,” etc.

Is My Child Ready to Learn Irregular Sight Words?

Most children are ready to start learning to read in kindergarten. It’s important to make all aspects of learning to read fun and engaging–including sight word mastery.

Isn’t This Hard?

Although the name “irregular” implies difficulty, you and your child will have encountered irregular words in every book you have ever read together. Your child is probably more familiar with these words than you might think.

And rote memorization doesn’t have to be a drag. There are a lot of ways you can mix up sight word mastery to keep it light and fun.

How Do I Teach Irregular Words?

1. Start with the Most Common Words

A great place to start is with simple, single-letter examples of common irregular words. Words such as ‘I’ or ‘a’ appear often and are an easy foundation to build on. Then, work up to multi-letter irregular words like “to,” “do,” “of,” “so,” “from,” “you,” etc. You can check how well your child remembers these words each time you read together and increase your word bank at their pace.

Need help getting an age-appropriate list? Contact our Atlanta reading teachers at The Academy of Scholars for helpful resources.

2. Make a Small List of Irregular Words

When practicing irregular words, looking at a huge list might feel overwhelming to a grown-up, and it certainly is to a kindergartener. Start with a manageable mini-list of several words. This will save both of you from feeling frustrated and keep learning fun. After your child has mastered this list of words, you can add more.

You can also chunk words by similar spelling patterns such as “was, has, as” and “would, could, should.” Then, have student students master all words of the same pattern before moving to the grouping.

3. Point Out Irregular Words

You will see irregular words everywhere in the books you read with your child. Point them out when you spot them. Allow your child to pick the book based on their interests so they are already engaged.

This works for more than just books. You could point out irregular words you spot on a cereal box over breakfast or on signs you see while out and about together. Little tasks like this help build your child’s learning through everyday activities.

4. Embrace Repetition

Many kids love reading the same book repeatedly. You can leverage this to reinforce learning irregular words. In step 3, you learned how to point out irregular words. Take it a step further when you read the book a second time. Stop at the end of the page and ask your child to find the irregular words you have been learning.

The more your kids read a familiar story, the easier it will be for them to spot the irregular words.

5. Play Word Games Together

Children of any age learn well through play, but this is exceptionally true for kindergarteners. They may not be able to participate in games like word searches or crosswords yet, but there are loads of games you can adapt to their level to help them learn all the irregular words.

You could do a matching pair memory game with irregular word flashcards or use two sets of flashcards to play irregular word Go Fish. You could lay flashcards out on the table, call out a sight word, and have your child turn over the matching word as fast as possible.

6. Engage All of Their Senses

Vary the methods you use with your kindergartener to engage more of their senses. They will be using sight and sound almost all the time, but if you bring their other senses in, it will deepen their learning. This can be messier play, like using a finger to write the word in sand or shaping shorter words out of play dough.

Or it could be a more straightforward task—even saying the word aloud as they trace its letters in the air.

7. Finally, Keep It Fun

The most important idea for teaching irregular words is the simplest: Keep it enjoyable. No one fully understands something the first time they try it, and kindergarteners are learning so many new things at this stage. To keep their learning fun, do activities for a small amount of time, and as soon as they, or you, are getting irritated, take a break.

Your kindergartener does not need to learn all the irregular words simultaneously or the first time they try. You can build on their prior learning every day, and even a tiny amount of progress will be a step closer to their goal.

“In every job that must be done there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game!” -Mary Poppins

While the idea of gamification wasn’t trademarked by the practically perfect, parrot-umbrella-wielding nanny, she did do an excellent job of putting the basics of the idea in song. The heart of gamification is to engage young learners in a way that makes their work fun.

Today’s young learners are surrounded with opportunities for engagement, which can actually cause them to disengage more easily. Technology, with all of its benefits, has also brought challenges to the modern classroom. Children have grown used to having instant entertainment at their fingertips.

Most families admit that there is a TV or tablet in use more often than not in the home. Brightly animated shows have become the background to family home life, allowing children to engage and disengage at will. The result? Attention spans in both children and adults are shorter than ever before. Teaching methods that once held the attention of students now fall short in capturing and maintaining the young mind.

The solution? Gamification.

What is Gamification?

Gamification is a method of teaching that pairs the educational content of school with various elements of games. In classrooms across the globe, this engaging new technique is becoming increasingly common. Our teachers have found that gamification in elementary education has helped students find a love for learning while maintaining classroom engagement.

In gamification, various elements of games are incorporated into the classroom context. By using point systems, classroom teams, leaderboards, prizes, and badges, students are able to level up their learning experience. Not to be confused with educational games, gamification weaves game-like systems throughout the entire learning process. Normal classroom activities, teaching, assessments, and homework can be part of educational gamification in order to keep students motivated and engaged.

Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, gamification and game-based learning are two different methods of teaching. Gamification employs the basic elements of game design. However, game-based learning brings competition to the classroom. It uses educational games to teach, has rules and objectives, and is often used in correlation with gamification.

Gamification in Action

While there are many elements of gamification that can be added to the classroom routine, five components are essential:

1. Setting Goals

Just like each traditional game has a goal or finish line, gamification in the classroom depends on setting clear and attainable goals. Students must understand what they’re working toward in order to have a clear objective. Goals keep kids motivated and engaged throughout the learning process. In the classroom setting, goals may include turning in homework on time, earning a certain grade percentage, or answering at least one question aloud each day.

2. Tracking Progress

In a board game, your progress is tracked by moving a game piece along the board. It is just as important to track progress in the classroom so that students can be encouraged by how far they’ve come and remain motivated to keep up the good work.

Tracking a student’s progress can also help teachers identify areas where the student might need some additional support and instruction. Progress can be tracked through leaderboards, jars to fill with noodles or other small objects, or other visible trackers.

3. Social interaction

By fusing social interaction with the elements of gamification, learning becomes fun, interactive, and engaging. Game-based learning techniques like competitions or team-building collaborations are a great way to foster crucial communication and social skills. Students should also be encouraged to cheer one another on, celebrating successes and achievements, which will result in a more positive learning experience.

4. Reinforcement

Not only is it important to set goals, it is equally important to provide incentives for students to work towards. These might include a class pizza party, individual prizes, or extra recess. In addition, reinforcement can be given through recognition. Consider giving certificates or “shoutouts” for the class to celebrate.

5. Feedback

Finally, student growth requires frequent feedback. Teachers should keep students in the loop with progress updates. This personalization helps students remain motivated to achieve goals and do their best.

Benefits of Gamification in the Classroom

The research into gamification and how best to utilize it in the classroom is ongoing, but recent studies have found that gamification provides the following benefits:

• Increased motivation
• Increased engagement
• Development of social and communication skills
• Development of problem-solving skills
• Development of critical thinking
• Improved retention
• Individualized learning

Gamification is no mere classroom trend; it is a game-changer to a student’s educational experience. If teachers are to effectively reach today’s learners, they must use creative methods to motivate and engage their students. Even in the daily routine of school, there can be an “element of fun.” Gamification allows students to find the fun in learning, give and receive peer support, and celebrate their achievements for a positive and effective educational experience. Game on!

Looking for a Christian private school here in Atlanta that will accelerate your child’s learning while making them excited to go to school each day? Contact Academy of Scholars for a free tour.

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Infographic

Gamification is a teaching method that blends educational content with game elements, gaining popularity in classrooms worldwide. While many elements can be included, five key components are essential. Learn more in the infographic.

Eric Williams, a fourth grader at AOS, had an exciting and transformative summer as he joined the cast of Broadway’s MJ The Musical, where he alternates in the role of ‘Little Michael.’ This incredible opportunity allows Eric to showcase his remarkable talent and immerse himself in the world of professional theater at a young age.

In addition to his work on Broadway, Eric has previously demonstrated his versatility and skill in notable roles in Stepp Stewart’s Soulful Christmas and Motown Motor City Review. Each performance has allowed him to grow as an artist, honing his craft and gaining invaluable experience in both musical theater and live performance.

Eric is focused on his long-term goal of becoming a professional performer. His journey is just beginning, and with his dedication and determination, he is on a path to make a lasting impact in the world of theater and entertainment.

Brailyn Banks, a talented fourth grader at AOS, is making a splash in the competitive swimming world as she enters her third season as a USA swimmer. At just 8 years old, Brailyn was already proving herself a force to be reckoned with. She set an impressive personal best in both the 25M and 50M Butterfly, with times of 15.87 and 38.52 respectively. Her exceptional performance earned her coveted spots in the 2023-2025 Winter 14 & Under State Competition at Georgia Tech, putting her among the state’s best swimmers. But Brailyn’s success doesn’t stop there. She also qualified in the 50M Breaststroke for the 2024 Long-Course State Competition, further showcasing her versatility in the pool. After an outstanding 2023-24 season, Brailyn ranked 9th in the state of Georgia and 3rd in her division—an incredible achievement for an athlete her age. Currently training with the Metro Atlanta Aquatic Club, Brailyn’s goal is to continue earning qualifying times and positioning herself for future opportunities at higher levels of competition. With her determination and work ethic, Brailyn is focused on achieving her long-term aspirations in the world of competitive swimming.

Caiden and Caleb Sapari spent an unforgettable summer in Seoul, South Korea, competing in the World Olympics Taekwondo Championship. The competition was intense, featuring a variety of events including form, board breaking, and sparring, testing both their physical skills and mental focus.

Caiden, a fourth grader at AOS, showcased exceptional skill and determination, earning a silver medal and two bronze medals, proving his versatility and commitment to the sport. Caleb, a third grader at AOS, also impressed on the world stage, securing three bronze medals. The brothers’ success in Seoul not only earned them medals but also fueled their passion for Taekwondo, inspiring them to set even greater goals. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, discipline, and resilience.

Children learn many valuable lessons during their early elementary school education. From arithmetic to teamwork, these lessons shape the rest of their academic experience as well as their adult lives.

One of the most crucial skills a child will learn during these early years is reading. Reading underlies everything, so it’s no wonder so much time and effort are devoted to this critical subject. And it’s no wonder there are so many different methods used to teach reading–every educator wants to get this one right, so a lot of effort goes into coming up with the right ways to nail it. One method teachers have found particularly useful for children learning to read is shared reading.

What is Shared Reading?

During a time of shared reading, the teacher uses a shared material–often an enlarged children’s book or multiple copies of the same story–and children are encouraged to read aloud together. The material is often read multiple times. First, students consider the big picture and meaning of the text. Then, they focus on more technical aspects like phonics. The teacher can gauge common problem areas and take the time to stop and expand on various needs throughout the lesson.

How Does Shared Reading Help Children Become Independent Readers?

Through the method of shared reading, children grow skills like active listening and fluency. Shared reading builds independent readers by:

1. Growing Vocabulary

Shared reading allows children to hear the correct pronunciation and context of a wider range of vocabulary than what is found in everyday conversation. The teacher stops to explain the meaning and usage of new and unfamiliar words. This allows students to focus on comprehension rather than analyzing the meaning of these words.

2. Modeling Fluent Reading

During shared reading, the teacher models to the students proper pacing, expression, intonation, and inflection. The student learns how punctuation affects tone, how sentences flow, and how expressive reading can increase engagement.

3. Developing Comprehension Skills

Shared reading offers a positive and encouraging environment for bolstering reading comprehension. Students will have opportunities to engage in discussion about the text with their peers, ask questions, and consider the text in a more critical manner. This helps kids drill down to the meaning of what they’re reading and make connections between the text and real life.

4. Improving Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness allows students to break words into their individual sounds, which is critical for fluent reading. Many of the materials used in shared reading lessons target phonemic awareness and use a variety of elements such as patterns, rhymes, and repetition to emphasize specific sounds.

5. Encouraging Participation

As parents, we often hope that our child will not be the one kid in the class too scared or embarrassed to answer a question or participate in an activity. Rather, we desire for our children to be confident participants and contributors. Reading with peers empowers children to read aloud and share ideas with confidence. This, in turn, increases their confidence for independent reading.

6. Nurturing a Love for Reading

Shared reading is a great way to make reading fun. Just like sharing a task with a friend can turn a mundane experience into a positive one, shared reading can help children associate reading with enjoyment. If children see reading as a positive and enjoyable activity, they are more likely to do it on their own.

7. Promoting Critical Thinking

In shared reading activities, the teacher will often pause to ask questions about the text to ensure that children are actively engaging in the material. Students will be asked to determine story themes, make predictions, and relate personally to the characters. These skills develop a pattern of critical thinking that can transfer to independent reading.

Is Shared Reading a Proven Strategy?

The kindergarten and early elementary teachers at our private school in Atlanta have found shared reading to be an effective method for helping children learn to read. But they aren’t the only ones who’ve seen it work. Shared reading is a research-backed method that is affirmed and recommended by reading and fluency experts around the world.

A 2023 study that tracked and compared student progress in a kindergarten classroom with the use of shared reading indicated “the positive effects of using the shared reading approach to improve the students’ comprehension” (Altamimi and Ogdol, pp. 1).

In the “Big Book Trend,” Don Holdaway, originator of the “shared book experience,” noted that “the natural setting of young children gathered around a big book or chart in a shared experience of literary pleasure with the teacher offers the possibility of powerful learning within a context of satisfying meanings” (1982).

Shared Reading: A Critical Tool for Independent Success

Interaction and engagement promote learning that lasts. Shared reading is a critical tool for building independent readers. When adults model proper reading skills and habits, students are better able to develop reading comprehension and critical thinking, grow phonemic awareness, and expand vocabulary.

In addition, this collaborative approach makes reading fun and instills confidence in young readers. Children can benefit from shared reading both in the classroom and at home, so try incorporating these methods into your daily reading time and watch your child’s love for independent reading grow.

If your child is struggling to read or simply needs an extra boost as they work to grasp new concepts, a reading tutor could prove an invaluable resource. Reading tutors can make an incredible difference in your child’s academic trajectory now and in the future.

Isn’t Kindergarten Too Early for a Reading Tutor?

Kids’ developmental skills span a wide range in kindergarten. Some can already read; others may struggle to sound out the smallest words, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doomed to struggle long-term. They may just not be ready yet.

Work with your child’s reading teacher to assess their reading progress. Just because they can’t read in kindergarten doesn’t mean they need a tutor. But if they’re struggling with basic reading readiness tasks, they may be a candidate for extra help.

Won’t My Child’s School Reading Program Be Enough?

Not all school reading programs are created equal. Some have excellent phonics-based curriculums starting in kindergarten. Some lack the strategic, explicit focus on phonemic awareness and phonics needed to give kids a strong reading foundation. Before you spend money on a tutor, make sure your kindergartner is enrolled in a school with an A+ kindergarten reading curriculum.

If you decide to look for a reading tutor for kindergarten, here are some tips to guide your search and help you select the perfect fit for your child.

Know Your Child’s Needs

1. Identify Existing Obstacles

If your child is just entering kindergarten, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose underlying literacy or comprehension issues. However, as your child becomes more familiar with phonics/phonemic awareness, these issues may begin to reveal themselves. Ask your child’s teacher if they’ve noticed any possible obstacles. These will be helpful for your tutor to be aware of as you begin the tutoring process.

2. Determine Your Child’s Learning Style

When it comes to learning, there is no one-size-fits-all method that perfectly caters to every child. While children are able to learn in various ways, each will usually favor one learning style over the others.

Your child might be a visual learner, or they may do better with auditory or kinesthetic methods. Having an understanding of how your child best retains information will be a tremendous help to your child’s new tutor as they seek to cater their teaching methods to the individual student.

Consider Your Options

1. Private Tutoring

A private tutor is one hired outside of your child’s school. They can offer one-on-one coaching at your child’s pace and may utilize a kindergarten reading curriculum that complements what your child uses at school. Private tutors can create a tailored learning path and cater to your child’s learning style, but will likely be more expensive than other tutoring options.

2. Tutoring Centers

A tutoring center offers a structured environment for learning and usually has a wide variety of resources at its disposal. These centers usually employ multiple, diverse tutors who may specialize in different areas or styles of teaching, so that it is easy to find the right tutor for your child’s specific needs. Tutoring centers often provide progress tracking, standardized testing, and the option for group or one-on-one tutoring.

3. Online Tutoring

An online tutor can be a more flexible and affordable option for tutoring. These services use an online platform, which means your child can receive tutoring nearly anytime and anywhere. However, online tutors can have a harder time keeping hands-on learners engaged.

Find Your Fit

1. Review Experience and Qualifications

First, it’s crucial that you carefully review each tutor’s experience and qualifications for the following:

• Field Experience: A trusted tutor will have a resume featuring adequate experience in reading tutoring and instruction for young children.
• Education: A professional kindergarten reading tutor should have a degree in early childhood development, education, or a similar field.
• Proper Certifications: In addition, tutors should have specific certifications or training in early literacy and reading instruction.

2. Consider Teaching Style

Just as it’s important to know your child’s learning style, it is also crucial to know your tutor’s teaching style to ensure the two will be compatible. When reviewing teaching styles and methods, consider the following:

• Engagement and Interaction: The tutor should use fun, hands-on activities to keep your kindergartener interested and motivated.
• A Patient, Encouraging Approach: Any parent of a kindergarten-aged child knows that it takes quite a bit of patience to teach them. The right tutor should be able to remain calm and patient and will offer the positive reinforcement and encouragement your child needs to succeed.
• A Tailored Learning Path: Your reading tutor should get to know your child’s unique personality and learning style and create a personalized learning plan that will effectively meet your child’s needs.

3. Ask for Recommendations

Not sure where to begin the hunt for the right tutor? Start by asking around. Check with family, friends, teachers, and other parents at your child’s school to see if they can recommend a tutor.

4. Consult Your Child’s School

Your child’s school may offer tutoring options after or before school. The advantage of working through your school is that your child can learn in a familiar environment. The school tutoring program can also ensure strong communication between classroom teacher and reading tutor so that your child gets a more seamless learning experience.

5. Review the Reviews

The internet is a great resource for finding and vetting a reading tutor. Research local tutors and tutoring centers by reading reviews from present and past clients.

6. Discuss Goals

During your initial consultation, discuss with your tutor where you’d like to see your child grow and improve. The tutor should be able to set attainable and clear goals as well as consistently track progress. In addition, tutors should be able to adjust plans and methods as needed.

7. Consider Scheduling and Rates

Oftentimes, one of the most difficult aspects of selecting a tutor is finding one that fits your schedule. Most children receive private tutoring after school, which means that time slots are extremely limited and may leave you on a waitlist until a space opens up.

When selecting the right tutor, make sure their available time will consistently work with your family’s schedule. And don’t forget to ask about make-up sessions and cancellation policies for situations like sickness or vacation. Finally, make sure you understand final rates and fees upfront to ensure the tutor is within your budget.

8. Give It a Trial Run

Most importantly, your child should feel safe and at ease with their tutor. Before committing, ask about a trial session so that you can observe the interaction between tutor and student. The right tutor will be able to evaluate your child’s learning obstacles, cater to their learning style, and make reading fun.

At the end of the day, you know your child best. Your instincts as a parent are the most valuable tool when it comes to finding the right tutor for your child.

Our final tip is to stay vigilant. Just because your child is reading well in kindergarten doesn’t mean they will never struggle. Sometimes, kids mask reading difficulties by memorizing a lot of words. This can fool parents and teachers up until the third grade when multi-syllable reading instruction happens, and kids are suddenly drowning in a sea of words. There are simply too many to memorize!

Many reading difficulties are exposed in third and fourth grade as the word memorization game gives way, exposing an inability to sound out words. If you intervene as soon as you see a problem, you can boost your child’s reading and put them back on a path to success.

Have more questions about finding the right kindergarten reading program or extra-curricular tutor? Visit The Academy of Scholars private Christian elementary school where we build strong readers with strategic, research-backed reading programs.