NEW YORK — Learning to read can be so exciting, but it also can be frustrating to youngsters who find themselves stuck on a word that keeps them from enjoying the rest of a story.
Candlewick Press publishes Brand New Readers: Its goal is to "make reading a success the very first time!"
Among the two dozen titles in the series is the book "Ethan at Home," written by Johanna Hurwitz and illustrated by Brian Floca. Inside are four short stories, clearly illustrated, about a little boy hanging around the house. The words are basic and should be familiar to children ages 4 to 7.
The first page of each Brand New Reader book has tips for parents on helping a new reader. They include:
— Read the introduction to each story aloud. Look through the pictures together so that your child can see what happens in the story before reading the words.
— Read the first page to your child, placing your finger under each word.
— Let your child touch the words and read the rest of the story. Give him time to figure out each new word.
— If your child gets stuck on a word, you might say, "Try something. Look at the picture. What would make sense?"
— If your child is still stuck, supply the right word. This will allow him to continue to read and enjoy the story. You might say, "Could this word be 'ball'?"
— Always praise your child. Praise what he reads correctly and praise good tries, too.
— Give your child plenty of chances to read the story again and again. The more your child reads, the more confident he will become.
— Have fun!
Tips reprinted with permission from Candlewick Press, Cambridge, Mass., publisher of "Brand New Readers: Ethan at Home," by Johanna Hurwitz, 2003.