Reading Aloud: Why Is It So Important?
When your child becomes a more independent reader, we often let them read on their own and stop reading aloud as often. It is understandable since we want them to practice reading aloud and independently, but it is important to remember that reading aloud is important for children of ALL ages! Even adults enjoy listening to books on tape. Take turns each night deciding who will read (if your child is at the point of reading independently). When you read aloud to your child you are giving them time to sit and think about what they are listening to without the pressure of sounding out words or making sure they are reading smoothly. Listening to books read aloud also allows children to hear new words they may have difficulty reading on their own. If you want your child involved while you read aloud, be sure to track print and tell them you want to see them watching while you read. Don't forget to ask questions before, during, and after reading too (See the page on helping with fluency and comprehension for suggestions)!
1. Read together every day. Set aside a regular time for reading.
2. Take your child to the library. Be sure you have plenty of books at home to choose from! You can also spend time at home browsing authors, subjects, and genres on the public library website and reserve books ahead of your library visit. The library will notify you when your books are in!
3. Let your child choose the book they would like to read and listen to. Children often like to hear the same story over and over again.
4. Find a comfortable place to read. Sit close and share the pictures!
5. Start with the cover of the story. Read the title, author, and illustrator. Talk about the art on the cover.
6. Read with feeling! Change voices to match the action in the story- be excited, scared, sad, mad! If you enjoy the story, so will your child!
7. Take time to look at the pictures. Point out special words and things you see happening in the story.
8. Encourage your child to join in. Act out the story. Make noises. Clap with rhymes and repeat lines together. Fill in missing words.
9. Tell the story in your own words. Don't be afraid to skip parts if the story is too long-save the last half for another time!
10. Ask questions while you are reading. Talk about the story and connect it to things that happen in your child's life.