Read Aloud At Home

Why do I need to read aloud with my child?

• Show your children reading is enjoyable

• Create memorable moments

• Books give us topics to talk about

• Builds listening comprehension

• Gives exposure to new vocabulary

How do I make time?

Schedules are busy! So create a goal. 10, 20, or 30 minutes is a good place to start!

What if my child can already read?

Reading together gives you an instant topic to discuss with your child- no matter his or her age!

What if I don’t like to read aloud?

That’s okay! Try an audiobook. There are several online resources that offer this for free!

What Books to Choose?

Find books that are interesting to your child or books he or she picks out.

Before you read…

1. Choose a book about a topic your child likes

2. Read the title, author, and illustrator

3. Preview the book by:

   • Flipping through the pictures

   • Read the table of contents

   • Read the summary on the back of the book or inside cover

While you read…

• Facial expressions matter

• Tone of voice- raise and lower your voice to match the words or phrases

• Voice “match” the punctuation, dialogue, and what the text says (ex. “The mom whispered”...you whisper)

• Pause to explain vocabulary

• Read fluidly without stopping too often

After Reading:

1. Ask high level questions that build connections to the reading

2. “What did you like or not like about the story?”

3. “What does the author mean when he/she says _____?”

4. “What connections did you make to this book...personal or another book?”

5. “What is the most important event in the story? Why is it important?”

6. “What is a message you understood from reading this book?”

Retell the story:

• 1. Draw pictures or write about what the story was about in a journal

  2. Create a craft

  3. Video record your child retelling or acting out the story

  4. Be creative!