WHY READ ALOUD?
Much has been said and written about the value of reading to young children. However, Jim Trelease, a highly respected teacher and author, recommends that reading to children should never stop. There are several important reasons to continue to read to children even after they can read themselves. Read aloud because:
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A child's listening comprehension is usually well beyond his or her own reading comprehension.
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Hearing the rich language of good literature advances a child's vocabulary, oral language skills, and supports writing skills.
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Love of literature and reading is fostered by enjoyable experiences with books.
WHAT TO READ?
Jim Trealease advises that children as young as five can listen to and remember the story line of a chapter book that is read to them sequentially. He recommends Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach as an excellent book to begin family read aloud sessions. This is the story of a young boy who takes a fantastic journey on a magical peach with a group of entertaining insects.
WHAT ELSE IS GOOD TO READ?
Other engaging suggestions for family read alouds include:
Charlotte's Web
by E.B. White
Howliday Inn
by James Howe
The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks
by Nancy McArthur
For further information about the benefits of reading aloud to children and suggestion for good read-aloud books consult these web sites:
www.trelease-on-reading.com
www.literacyconnections.com/ReadingAloud
www.rif.org