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4. Watching TV and/or Movies
a. What a great way to reinforce reading schedules! Use TV Guide or newspaper for these answers. What starts on Tuesday at 8 PM on channel 4? When does that show end? b. Tell your child name of a show that you watch on Friday. Use schedule to find channel and time it starts. Try naming a program your child does not watch so he will not automatically know answer. c. If you are allowed to watch only one TV show, but there are two you would like to see, what will be criteria for which one you choose? Reinforce critical thinking! d. Read description of a particular episode. Can you determine if it will be funny or scary? What will make you decide if you are going to watch it? e. At beginning of show, predict outcome. At end, were you right? During a commercial, ask your child to predict what will happen in next scene. f. Practice summarizing by writing or telling a synopsis of show when it is over. Make sure to answer who, what, where, when, and why questions. g. Describe, in detail, a particular character. How would you change him?
Rather than having a 30-minute lesson, questions should be sprinkled throughout day, especially in summer and on vacation! This will keep your children on their toes but not bore them!
I hope these ideas have been useful and have inspired your own creativity.
And remember...Reading is FUNdamental!!
Freda J. Glatt, MS, retired from teaching after a 34-year career in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her focus, now, is to reach out and help others reinforce reading comprehension and develop a love for reading. Visit her site at http://www.sandralreading.com. Reading is FUNdamental!