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Remember
that reading aloud does not come easily to most people.
Keep at it and you’ll feel comfortable.
It's not a performance, but a sharing time. Take your time and
allow time to look at pictures.
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If
your kids interrupt a story with questions, take the time to answer.
If it's something you are unfamiliar with, call or visit the
Library to find answers.
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Set
aside a time each day either for reading aloud, or silent reading.
Make this consistent, even if it's for only a few minutes.
Turn off the TV and everyone read or look at books.
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If
your TV has closed captioning, turn it on so kids can read along while
watching. For a challenge,
turn off the sound and just read every once in a while.
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Add
a third dimension to your time. If
you are reading "Blueberries for Sal", have a bowl of blueberries
nearby, if
you are reading "Corduroy" bring a teddy bear to the reading time.
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If
you have a children who are active or find it difficult to sit and listen,
give them some paper and crayons to draw while they listen.
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Encourage
older children to share books with younger brothers and sisters.
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Visit
the Library to pick up a weekly supply of books for your reading.
Keep a list of what you've read.
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Borrow
some books on tape for car trips or evening book times, or ask a relative
or friend to make you a surprise story tape.
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DON'T
continue reading a book that is a poor choice, it will only discourage
kids from reading. Choose
another.
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DON'T
be fooled by books that have won awards.
They are not always good or interesting read alouds.
They were chosen for their illustrations or writing, not
necessarily for reading aloud.
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DON'T
confuse quality with quantity, it is better to read for 10 minutes and
have everyone interested. Those
10 minutes will be a pleasurable time for all.
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DON'T take away reading
time as a punishment. "If
you don't pick up your toys there’ll be no books!."
Kids will see books and reading as negative.
