Arizona has implemented “Move On When Reading,” which means, third graders who do not pass the Arizona standardized reading test, which currently is AIMS, will not be promoted to fourth grade. There are some things that parents can do to help their children learn to read effectively in order to pass the reading test.
Other than beginning early literacy activities at birth there are other tips parents can do as their child enters third grade. The most important thing is to make sure the child reads for at least 20 minutes a day. There are many different ways the child can read. He/she can read silently to him/herself, read aloud to a younger child or to an adult.
Increasing reading skills is more than reading fluently. The child needs to be able to recall and remember what he/she read. Parents can ask their child questions about what the child read. For example parents could ask their child questions like these. “What did you read today?” “What was your favorite part? Why?” “Who were the characters?” “What was the setting?” “What happened in the story?” “What happened first?” “What happened in the middle?” “What happened in the end?” It is okay for the child to go back and find the answers to the questions. They are encouraged to go back and look at the passages they read on the standardized tests. It is best if they already know the answers but if they need to refresh their memory, looking back is okay. In order to know that the student actually understands what he/she has read, make sure the child can answer most of the questions without looking back.
There are practice tests that children can take to help them prepare for the test. Parents can also take the test so they will know what kinds of things their child is expected to know. This will help parents know what other things they can do to help their child be successful on the test. Parents of struggling readers may also consider hiring a tutor to help the child improve his/her reading skills.
Third grade teachers are aware of the challenges their students face with “Move On When Reading.” It is important parents make sure their children are completing all of the homework and suggested study tips provided by the child’s classroom teacher. Following those tips help the child become a successful reader.