How to Read Aloud to Your Child

Getting your children off to a good literary start begins with reading aloud to them. These suggestions follow the recommendations of the America Reads Challenge. Remember that it's never too early to start, no matter what the age.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bookstore Gift Certificates
• Children's Books
• Bookmarks
• Library Cards

1. Designate a special time and place every day to read aloud to your child. However, don't restrict story time to just that time and place - you can read to your child anywhere, anytime.

2. Try to choose books that introduce new words, ideas, people and places.

3. Take a trip to the bookstore to let your child select a book that interests him or her.

4. Choose a location that's comfortable and well-lit for your child's initial book reading experiences.

5. Allow your child to turn the pages and to comment on letters, words and pictures. Use this opportunity to go over letters and sounds.

6. Pause in the story often to ask and answer questions and to comment on the pictures.

7. Have your child "read aloud" to you by retelling a story or by constructing his or her own story based on pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make books come alive - try a re-enactment, puppet shows or drawings to illustrate the story.

[YoungWisdom23]

on 11/24/2006 My father used to read to me every night before. By doing so he introduced to literature and now I love reading and consider my favorite past. I also enjoy reading to my baby cousins. Try doing voices. And if you are reading to a young child, like a toddler, it is all about the way you use your voice. Get them excited and reading.

on 6/30/2006 Reading to children is the best first step in teaching them to read. It conveys, "This is doable."

Writing is the other part of literacy and will be just as important to a child's schooling. Demystify writing by writing a children's book yourself, leaving the pages blank for your child to illustrate.

on 11/22/2005 I have been reading to my son for fourteen years. It isn't something you ever grow out of and it's also a wonderful way to introduce them to books that they might never read themselves (like your favorites).

on 11/22/2005 Whichever we have agreed upon prior to starting, reading either a sentence each or a page each, I will read and then we switch and my son will read. It motivates him to read, keeps him focused, and helps him with his pronunciation.