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Choosing appropriate material

When reading a passage, poem or story with a learner:

• Choose the appropriate level material for the learner.

• Choose something that the learner would like to read or has expressed interest in.

• Choose something together.

• Start small at any reading level because:

  • Finishing something gives a person a sense of accomplishment. Depending on the student, you may start with a single line of poetry, or a single stanza. Starting small for some may mean one entire paragraph. Set goals to meet. Set the student up for success; the learner should not be overwhelmed.

  • Starting small gives the learner the chance to build up confidence. The more confident the learner feels, the more challenges he or she will seek. Help establish the student's "building blocks of confidence."

  • The learner will need time to absorb what he or she has learned.

  • Practicing over and over again for reinforcement will be appreciated by your learner.

• If a learner brings you something to read that you find objectionable or disagree with, remember you are here to teach reading or provide information about things your learner cannot read for him/herself. If you do not choose to read the particular material your learner brings, call us and we can intercede.