Why Should We Read Aloud?

Reading aloud introduces us to new words, ideas and cultures.  By reading aloud, and by TALKING about the information in the stories, children learn about their world and have many more words to use to describe things - words that they will easily recognize when it is their turn to read.

Tips For Reading Aloud:

• Be prepared to read a favourite book over and over again!  Books can be read in many different ways using different voices, questions, and words.
• Don't stop reading aloud just because your child can read on their own!  Why?

Because...

• Children need this closeness more than ever;
• When we read aloud books that do not have pictures (chapter books) we are helping our children to develop their "mind's eye"; and
• Reading aloud books that are 2-3 grade levels above their reading level helps children learn new words - words that they will need to know to be able to read on their own - and enjoy it.
• Read 2-3 grade levels above the child's reading level.  When we read books that don't have pictures, we are helping children to develop their mind's eye.  By grade four, there are no picture clues to help them understand the story.  We must help them to develop their ability to imagine people, places and events in stories (ask questions that will help them to picture the story using their mind's eye.)
• Make your voice go loud and quiet, fast and slow, angry, sad, afraid or excited.  Have fun!  Be crazy!
• Let children fill in familiar words or sentences.  Pause... so that they know it is their turn to speak.
• Ask good questions (What do you think will happen next?) and talk about what is happening in the story and pictures.  Discuss feelings (Have you ever felt like that?).  Discuss why people behave in certain ways in different situations.  Understanding human nature will help them understand what they are reading.
• Relate what you read to real life experiences:  Have you ever done that?  Felt like that?  Have you ever been anywhere like that?  Can you think of a time that that has happened to you?
• You don't need to read every word!  Just make sure the story makes sense, and that you are talking about the pictures or information in the book.
• Ask questions during the story and praise their unique comments.
• For weaker readers:  Reassure your children that the ability to read has nothing to do with how smart they are.  Tell them that Einstein and Winston Churchill and many famous and brilliant people had trouble learning to read.
• As you know, reading aloud is not always easy.  Teach your children that reading aloud is completely different from reading to oneself, and that it takes a lot of practice to read aloud well.  Encourage your children to read to themselves often so that they know how much easier it is to read when someone (parent, teacher, tutor) isn't looking over their shoulder.
• To learn more about reading with your child, or to find children's reading programs in your community, call your local Ontario Early Years Centre and\or library.  You can find these services by logging on to  www.connectingsimcoe.info or by calling your local community information centre.

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Copyright 1999 Sound Readers. Made available by Martha Petrie, Ontario Early Years Early Literacy Specialist. ( 7 0 5 ) 7 3 7 - 7 4 6 2 or m a r t h a . p e t r i e @ s y m p a t i c o . c a