LHFHG Storytime

[StephanieU]

So, we have finished Unit 1 of LHFHG, and my daughter isn't doing too well with the questions from Reddy Fox. We haven't read books without pictures with her, so I think that is why she is having a harder time concentrating. But, is this also normal? Also, how do I help her concentrate?

[MelInKansas]

It's normal for this to be difficult for them. My oldest was hardly ever able to answer the questions at first (narration skills have developed slowly for her, whereas her younger sister who is doing LHFHG right now, it seems more natural for her). I know there are other threads about how to read it to help them understand it more easily. The vocabulary in it is more difficult than most children's books for that age group (which is intentional). I would lead my DD along to some answers if she was really struggling. This is one of those areas where they are supposed to think about it and deepen their understanding, not necessarily always have the right answers, and you definitely don't want to be too fast to give it to them or lead them to it. But do what you can to help her remember or understand. Sometimes I would go back and re-read a short section to help her find the answer. I also like to, before we start reading for the day, talk about what happened yesterday or what the cliffhanger was "Oh I wonder if Bowser the Hound will catch Reddy" or something, to get their attention and help them know what to listen for.

[StephanieU]

Thanks! That is what we have been doing, but I wanted to make sure that we were on the right track. Some times I wonder about the vocabulary, but then I also know that we have read British books with similar vocabulary but pictures and she has done a little better. So, I will just give it time. It is just reconfirming that picking LHFHG over Beyond was a good move for her.

[Kims]

I did LHFHG with my son. He could not answer the questions. I would lead him to the answers by going back and reading the paragraph. He could not narrate to me. he is now 8 and going to be in 3rd grade and just stared narrating and answering my questions this past year about the things I was reading.
Just keep at it. I know you are only supposed to read once but going back and reading the paragraph the answer was in sometimes helped and now he can narrated wonderfully.
My6yo son who I am did LHFHG with last year (we will finish this year) could narrate wonderfully and answer the questions from day one.
Don't stress. I did and it was not good for either of us. He finally one day could just do it.

[MomtoJGJE]

I agree... my oldest finally GOT narrating in Preparing. My second is just now starting to get it in Bigger. My third is a natural at it, so I'm not really counting that she can now, haha, BUT she COULDN'T during the first half of LHFHG.

And NONE of my kids have liked the Burgess books.