Have a Book Chat Session With Your Child

My child likes to read. However, he is not able to apply what he has read to his writing. What can I do to help him? This question has been posed by many parents. Very often, when children read the story books, they are only focusing on the plot.

Tips:
For reluctant readers, let them enjoy the plot first. As a parent, you could read the same book. Tag out the pages that contain vivid descriptions or good writing techniques such as metaphors, personification etc.

After your child has read the book, you could set aside time for a book chat. Ask your child to share his or her opinions after reading the book and you will share yours too. Here are some prompts:
(a) Did you come across certain parts that show an emotion very well? Could you remember where the parts were? Get the child to share with you these paragraphs. If he or she could not remember, show him or her some sections that you have tagged out.

You could do the same for the use of literary devices such as personification and metaphors, characterisation and themes (for advanced learners).

Focus on one aspect for one book so that it is not too overwhelming for your child.

(b) What part of the book was the best? Why?

(c) What was especially effective about this book?

(d) What would you change about the book? Why?

Benefits of A Book Chat
(1) A book chat helps the child to be more aware of writing techniques and vivid phrases used by good authors.

When I share certain parts of a book with my pupils, some of them will share with me that they have read the book before but they are not aware of the interesting writing techniques or vivid phrases used. For such cases, I advise them to read the books again, looking out for these interesting techniques or vivid phrases.

Once the child is aware of the good writing techniques and vivid phrases used by authors, they will then be able to read the books from a different perspective. They will be able to look out for these gems when they are reading.


(2) A book chat is a good time for family bonding.

The child will be delighted that the parents are interested to read books that he or she likes.