Guided Reading

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Mark Polatajko

Assistant head primary

Reading for pleasure makes a difference to educational performance. Children who read regularly perform better in reading tests and develop a broader range of vocabulary, increased general knowledge and better understanding of cultures.Sharing the adventures information of a book is a safe way to experience different ideas. It allows for questioning and for children to understand the words and the meaning of a story.Children sometimes make excuses to avoid reading such as 『I am playing this computer game』 or 『this book is boring』. Life busy. So why find time to read? Dr. Seuss said 「The more that you read, the more things that you will know. The more you learn, the more places you will go.」Ask your child what they think reading means. It is important to understand the difference between readingthe words of a book and reading and understanding the words of a book.

At Huili, teachers support the development of reading and understanding a book. Reading is a skill that is developed. It is not a skill that we are born with. For example, a child needs to learn to play a musical instrument and is given support and guidance, including many hours of practise, to play it well. After time, a child will play independently.

Children cannot learn reading skills themselves. With guidance and support children can enjoy reading and become more confident readers. Reading can open doors, improve educational attainment, develop vocabulary, improve social skills and allow children to develop the skills that will be used through school, university and into their working life.

Guided reading is usually applied to teach lower primary pupils how to read. As a Huili community, we understand the importance of the support that parents provide. Parents know their child’s likes, dislikes and interests that will help with choosing the right books to read. Parents can help support their child develop and strengthen the skills to enjoy reading. This is guided reading.

What difference can I make as a parent?

Parents are the most important educators for their child and know their child’s interests better than anyone. It is never too early to start reading with your child. Reading can create a strong parent/child bond.

Reading is about listening and understanding the vocabulary and story in a book. Developing a broader range of vocabulary leads to enhanced understanding of other texts. It is therefore important for children to learn and understand how to read. Even if a child does not understand every word, they will hear new sounds, words and phrases that they can try out and copy. Parents and teachers help build this vocabulary and guide understanding.

How can I point my child in the right direction?

Parents know what interests their child, and so can help choose books that would spark an interest in reading, that are also engaging and fun, and not too easy or difficult.

   - Why did they choose this book?   - Read the book summary on the back cover together.   - What do they think will happen?

Read aloud – talk about the words and pictures, if there are any. Share ideas about the book and the story to make it more easily understood.

Read yourself – children enjoy hearing adults read. It encourages them to read.

Surround your child with books – borrowing from Huili library and/or purchasing books develops interest and supports positive reading habits.

Talk to your child – spend time doing activities to help them learn new vocabulary, which will improve their reading ability.  

How should I read with my child?

Here are some points to help support parents with reading.- Bring the characters to life – talk about the characters, discuss the drawings/pictures and the bring the story events to life.
- Try different voices – bring out your 『voice』 acting skills. This will help your child enjoy the story.- Use facial expressions – exaggerate normal expressions like a children’s TV presenter.- Turn off the television/computer – concentrate on the story. No distractions.- Share the reading – your child can hear the correct pronunciation and then try their own reading skills.

Also consider:

- Inference – this means reading between the lines. Asking questions about why the author wrote a word, sentence or paragraph will provide a more in-depth understanding of character and plot.- Deduction – this means reading beyond the lines. This allows the parent and/or child to come to their own conclusion about the sentence, paragraph or chapter using questioning.- Prediction – this means to give an idea ofwhat will happen next. This provides a discussion based on the recollection of what has already happened. It develops the skill of accurate reading and understanding, beyond just reading words.

and for how long?

Be guided for how long your child will listen. Younger children need less time. Older children may read/listen for longer. A bedtime story is a nice way to spend time with a lovely book.

What should they be reading?

It can be a library book, a magazine article, a non-fiction book on nature or animals, or a fictional book on wizards or fairies. It can be a short story or a longer story with chapters. Making it different, but interesting, is important. Be led by your child or make suggestions on something new to develop their imagination. Teachers will provide ideas of appropriate reading books for certain ages and the Huili librarian can help guide children when choosing books.What book is the right level 
The Huili library has an extensive range of books, and the teacher and librarian can help guide children. The right level is a book where the accuracy of understanding vocabulary is about 95%; any less than this and there is a risk that children will lose track of the meaning of the story.The 「Rule of five」 is useful for older children. When reading a new book for the first time, a child puts up a finger for each word they do not understand on a page. More than 5 words per page shows the book may be too difficult or additional support is needed. Try a few pages to find out if the book is difficult. Make sure they are honest and ask about words you think they might not understand.Share any concerns with your child’s teacher. Children learn at different rates, so it is important you do not compare reading abilities with others. Anxious children may not read, so encouraging them is important.It is important not to put pressure on children to read, read, read and read. Finding the right time is important. Parents need to support the love and enjoyment of reading, but your child will lead on what interests them. Books should not be finished quickly, but a pace should be found to keep it interesting.The following points will help support a reading culture.- Make sure your child is not hungry or tired.- Show them how interesting it is to read books.

- Children read at different speeds, so be patient.

- Give praise when they are reading. Be pleased with their ideas.- Ask the teacher which type of book is appropriate.  Interests can change.Developing reading takes time. Guiding children to read will help ensure their understanding and interpretation of different stories and will develop their vocabulary.  Children need the support of their parents and teachers to guide them how to read and understand books. Over time, children will become independent readers, securing the skills, knowledge and vocabulary that will support their education at Huili, in university and into their chosen careers. Thank you for your continued support. We, at Huili, appreciate working together with you as a community. Enjoy reading with your child.

Taking a name from the sounds that the main character makes, this delightful book tells the story of an extraordinarily kind, brave, compassionate and righteous little piggy.

Scottish novelist Kenneth Grahame's classic book tells the story of a group of happy little animals who go on a quest to help their friend Toad, who wishes to reclaim his ancestral home from Weasel and Ferret.

by She Silverstein

「Once there was a tree… and she loved a boy.」

So begins a discerning and beautifully written story by renowned author Shel Silverstein. It is a story that looks at friendship, sacrifice and happiness. Everyday the boy comes to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk. This makes the tree very happy and content, and the tree and the boy form a lifelong friendship. However, as the boy grows older, he wants more and more from the tree, a house, a boat,  until the tree is reduced to a stump. Even as a stump the tree finds a way to support her friend, now an old man. This story resonates with readers of all ages and a wonderful tool to teach the power of love.

by Beji Davies

Every day, in a house by the sea, Noi watches his father, a fisherman, leave for a long day’s work. The boy is left alone on the island with the six house cats, until one night, a storm brings a very unexpected change.  This beautiful story tells us how Noi saves a whale that is washed up on the beach by putting it in the bath.  A heart-warming tale of the bond between a father and son.

The Lighthouse Keeper's Picnic 

By Ronda and David Armitage

This series of books by author’s Ronda and David Armitage are amusing and beautifully illustrated. The first Lighthouse Keeper story was published over thirty years ago, and this classic series has been loved by children ever since.

In the Lighthouse Keeper’s Picnic, Mr Grinling, the lighthouse keeper, loves to eat. His wife, Mrs Grinling, is the best cook in the whole world. When she puts on a truly scrumptious spread for the village picnic, Mr Grinling soon wishes that he hadn’t eaten quite so much….

By Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss

This is the diary…of a spider. But don’t be worried – he’s more scared of you and your gigantic shoes! Actually, he is a lot like you. He goes to school and enjoys playing in the park, but he also spins sticky webs, scales walls and takes wind-catching lessons.

Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss, the team behind the bestselling Diary of a Worm , spin a hilarious tale about the upside-down web world of an eight-legged charmer and his unlikely friend, Fly!

by Brigette Minne and Carle Cneut

Fairies are always supposed to be sweet and neat. They eat cake without making crumbs. They drink tea without spilling a drop. They never ever have spots or specks on their dresses. They tell the sweetest stories in gentle voices, and now and then they wave their magic wands around.

Rosemary thinks that fairies are very dull indeed. The worst thing is, that she is a fairy herself!

This is a tale about growing up and finding your own place in the world – a favourite with everyone who reads it.

by Wang Yimei

On the banks of the beautiful Moon River, a unique mole named Mi Jia was born. He loves to invent things and does not want to be an expert digger like his dad. Instead, he chooses to travel by himself and invent a washing machine for his best friend Ni Li. During his travels, Mi Jia experiences many setbacks and strange things, but he also makes new friends, finds his confidence and finally realises his dreams.

by Shen Shixi

This book focuses on a wise wolf who spends his life fulfilling his dreams. Full of thrilling battles and difficult choices, it depicts a story centred around ambition, destiny and love from a naturalistic point of view. The author keeps the reader fully engrossed through a gripping plot and a realistic, vivid writing style.

Dr Boogaloo and The Girl Who Lost Her Laughter

by Lisa Nicol

Dr Boogaloo is no ordinary doctor. He treats folks who suffer from unusual complaints with the most powerful medicine known to mankind — music! Blue was no ordinary girl. She had not laughed for 712 days. When Dr Boogaloo meets Blue, a magic story begins. This extraordinary novel will touch the hearts and ears of children and adults alike.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

by Kate DiCamillo

Edward Tulane is an impressive and immaculate china rabbit. Abigail, his owner, adores and cares for him completely, but Edward does not return her love. Edward is self-centred, proud and heartless; he cares nothing for love.

Then, through a series of accidents Edward is separated from Abigail. His fine clothes, pride and his body are damaged as he passes through the hands of a fisherman, a hobo and a farmer's daughter. He learns about love and experiences the pain that comes with loss and death. He wonders if he can bear to risk loving again.

This is an unusual yet well-written and beautifully illustrated story. Edward's journey, both physical and emotional, is movingly told and full of vibrant characters.

The Girl of Ink and Stars

by Kiran Millwood

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella dreams of the faraway lands her cartographer father once mapped. When her friend disappears, she volunteers to guide the search. The world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland - and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

If you love myths and legends, then this is the book for you! Adventure and unsolved mysterious makes this book are al page turner. I read this book to my former class back in the UK and all my students loved it!

by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnatses. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys』 detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the boys build character by spending all day, every day digging holes exactly five feet wide and five feet deep. There is no lake at Camp Green Lake. But there are an awful lot of holes.

It doesn’t take long for Stanley to realize there’s more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. But what could be buried under a dried-up lake? Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption.

Other book recommendations for Grade 3 

Other book recommendations for Grade 4 

Other book recommendations for Grade 5

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The Longest Day in Chang』an

by Ma Boyong

This historical suspense book is one of Ma Boyong’s masterpieces. It is a breathtaking story that follows the main characters Zhang Xiaojing and Li Bi and their efforts to foil a terrorist attack on the imperial capital of Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty.

by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl is a celebration of non-conformity; a tense, emotional tale about the fragile and cruel nature of popularity. After 15 years of home schooling, Stargirl bursts into tenth grade in an explosion of colour and a clatter of ukulele music, initially enchanting the Mica student body. Stargirl is so unique, kind, innocent and quite possibly too pure for the real world of Mica Area High School.

by Kwame Anderson

Combining beautiful prose with poetry that jumps off the page, Alexander tells the story of twin thirteen-year basketball players Jordan and Josh Bell in a manner that makes reading fun for middle grade kids. Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer.

by Lois Lowry

The haunting story centres on twelve-year-old Jonas who lives in a seemingly ideal world of conformity and contentment. Not until he is given his life assignment as the Receiver of Memory does he begin to understand the dark, complex secrets behind his fragile community. This prompts him decide to change everything in it.

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Academic year 2020-2021

We are still receiving applications for grade 6 and 8 transfer for the 2nd semester, please complete a registration form using a computer and the admissions office will contact you shortly.

Registration for Academic year 2021-2022 is now open：

For grade 1 and grade 6 applicants, please refer to the latest admissions regulations from Shanghai Pudong education bureau.

For grade 2 to grade 5, there will be no seats available for entry in 2021-22.

For further information, please call the admissions office directly on 021-3177 5080 or email [e-mail]