AMERICAN

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

VIENNA

FAMILY READING
GUIDELINES
HOME Reading PHILOSOPHY
We Believe That Reading Is Fundamental.
Readers Learn To Read By Reading, Therefore They Need
Practice.
Readers Need Time To Read.

WE BELIEVE THE PURPOSE OF READING AT

HOME IS TO
1. Build a positive reading life out of school.
2. Provide additional time for students to read.
3. Encourage Enjoyment.

ASSIGNING READING GUIDELINES

SUGGESTED GRADE LEVEL IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE:
In addition to regular homework, students are encouraged to read outside of
school daily. Reading outside the classroom ideally should be a combination
of reading with an adult, adults reading to children, and a child reading to
themselves. Below are suggested guidelines for accomplishing this goal:
For grades Pk-1
minutes/day)
For grades 2-3
minutes/day)

80-100 minutes per week

(avg.

10-15

100-150 minutes per week

(avg.

15-20

AISV ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2014

For grades 4-5

150 or more per week

(avg. 20+ minutes/day)

READING AT HOME IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

Parents do not need to teach reading. Families are
encouraged to read together for enjoyment and positive
family interaction
A C O M B I N ATI O N O F R E A D I N G AT H O M E M I G H T L O OK L I K E :

Adults reading to their children (recommended for Pk & K)

Families reading in their mother tongue (recommended for Pk & K)

Children reading by themselves, or to a toy (Pk & K reading pictures to

tell the story)

Children reading with an adult, or a sibling, or a friend

R E A D I N G C A N I N C L U D E TAL K I N G AB O U T A TE X T. S O M E I D E A S AR E :

Discussing pictures

Talking about characters and their decisions

Favorite parts of a book and why

Discussing predictions and connections

W H Y R E A D AT H OM E ?

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Sir Richard Steele
Reading aloud with children is known to be the single most important
activity for building the knowledge and skills they will eventually require for
learning to read. Marilyn Jager Adams

AISV ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 2014

There is no substitute for books in the life of a child. May Ellen Chase
Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one
of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. Maya Angelou
We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of reading. B. F.
Skinner