Modeling Reading Skills

When you were young, did you ever think about becoming a model?

Well now you can! When you read with your child, you can model your thinking as you read. (Not the same thing as posing for a camera, but much more rewarding!)

Suppose you and your child are enjoying a book about Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat? You might read a page about something George does, and say, “I wonder why George is doing that? What do you think?”

This kind of modeling while reading aloud creates extensions into critical thinking. You and your child can pause in the story to discuss what you know about something and predict what you think will happen next. How would George’s actions affect the Man in the Yellow Hat? Ask your child what would he/she do?

Children don’t naturally develop critical thinking skills any more than they naturally learn to read. They need to be coached — taught — how to delve deeper into words on the page.

When you read to your children, they pick up a lot more than you might realize. Take advantage of this time to teach them how to think deeply and enjoy a good book together. 📚