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 Read Aloud at Home

Read Aloud, also known as a bedtime story, often starts at home with parents reading books to their children. All that is needed is a book and a quiet spot. It is a time to share the joy of a well written story.

As you read the story to your child/ren consider asking questions and engaging in a dialogue about the text. Allow your child access to your thoughts on the book. Share your wonderings, predictions, and opinions with your child to model strong reading habits.

• Talk about the book before you read it.

• Look at the pictures and have conversations about what you notice.

• Ask questions. Why do you think the character said or did that? How do you think the character feels? What would you have done? What do you think will happen next?

• If you are reading a non-fiction book, you may want to comment on new or surprising information.

• Discuss any new vocabulary in the book.

• At the end of the book, help your child make connections between this book and other books or their own experiences.

• Have your child re-tell the story, and share their favorite part.

Read Aloud Questions

Fiction Story:

Q: What was your favorite part of the story? Why?

Q: What do you think will happen next? Why do you think that?

Q: What was the problem in the story and how was it solved?

Q: Does this story remind you of something you have done or read about?

Nonfiction Story:

Q: What was the most interesting fact you learned from this text?

Q: What else would you like to learn about this topic?

Further Reading:

• • The Read-Aloud Handbook: Seventh Edition by Jim Trelease

  • Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever by Mem Fox and Leslie Staub