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• Example of reading Aloud using BABY, COME OUT!
• Introducing Books To Children
Reasons to Read Aloud to your Child
Reading with your child is a way to show that they are important to you. When
you give your time and complete attention by sharing the pleasure of a favorite
story, children feel special and loved. Settling down together in a comfortable
spot with a book and quiet time lets kids know that reading is an activity that
you can both enjoy equally. It's cozy and comfortable!
Reading to your child gives him new experiences. Reading about places where he
has not been gives him new ideas and images to think about. Children learn that
they can travel through books and discover new things! Through books children
can learn about people who look different from the people they know and realize
how much they have in common.
Reading helps children learn about language. They learn new words and what they
mean. Children hear words in books that they don't hear in conversation. The
pictures in children's books help to give meaning to the words. Take time, look
at the pictures and talk about them.
Sharing stories with your child can help him cope with problems. Does she feel
that no one likes her? Or that she will never learn to write beautifully? Many
books present characters that face challenges and overcome problems. These
provide examples for children and give them hope.
Books help children develop their imagination. Books teach her to think about
life creatively. Hearing about new people and places allows her to imagine other
possibilities for her life.
Books help children prepare for experiences in life. You can help your child get
ready for a visit to the doctor or hospital by reading about what it will be
like. Reading about the unfamiliar can make in less frightening. Books can
expand your child's understanding of the world.
Reading to children helps prepare them for success in school. Children learn to
listen when they are read to. As they follow along they learn to associate
sounds and meaning to the print on the page. This provides the early concepts
that are necessary to learn to read. As you read for longer times this gradually
helps to increase a child's attention span. Being able to pay attention in
school helps them succeed.
How to Begin Reading Aloud
Let your child select the book they want to hear. Choose a time when your child
is alert and happy. Eliminate distractions such as television or radios. Find a
comfortable spot and sit close together or hold him on your lap. Together, look
at the cover of the book. Read the title, author and Illustrated by. Use these
terms with your child so she becomes familiar with them and what they mean. If
there is a dedication, read that and explain what it means to dedicate your work
to someone. Use a calm, gentle inviting voice. Ask questions about the title
that will engage her curiosity so she will want to hear what happens. For
example, "Why do you think the author named the boy Jan?" Asking questions that
are open and solicit his thoughts or ideas will make him ready to listen and
learn!
Read the book with enthusiasm and interest. Your voice communicates your level
of attention and enjoyment. Use different voices for different characters. Vary
the pace of your reading to match the story, when it is exciting read a bit more
quickly! Modulate your voice to add to the meaning. Ask questions as you go
along that help anticipate what will happen next. Give your child time to think
and respond. Allow them to discover the story; there doesn't have to be a right
or wrong answer! Sometimes children want to hear the same story repeated many
times. This is important in their development as they understand that there is
predictability to life. Be patient with them, keep reading and offer a variety
of books!
Watch your child's reaction. If he is losing interest, that's OK. Take a break
and begin again at a time when he is attentive and interested. Never force a
bored child to sit still and listen. Keep offering books in a positive and
loving way. Your child will learn that reading means special times with you! He
or she will find the joy in reading and develop a love for learning!
References: Read for Joy Claudia Quigg, Baby Talk Publications, 1993.
The Read Aloud Handbook JimTrelease
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