All About Reading Aloud
What Does It Mean To Read Aloud?
Read aloud is the practice of reading texts aloud to children. It is usually performed by teachers, parents and caregivers. The experience can promote positive attitudes towards books and literacy when it is enjoyable and fosters connection between the reader and listener. The choice of text and its delivery -in terms of pace, volume, and tone, and the interaction surrounding the read aloud time – in the form of comments and questions about the text, all positively influence the experience and, as a result, the child’s feelings about reading and books.
To make the most of your read aloud time at home or school, check out these fun read aloud tips.
Does It Really Matter If I Read Aloud to My Child?
There are many benefits to reading aloud with children of all ages, including;
- Reading aloud helps children develop listening skills
- Reading aloud helps children learn to process information they have heard
- Reading aloud lays a foundation for learning about different elements of written language, such as rhyme or alliteration
- Reading aloud introduces children to new vocabulary
- Reading aloud helps children learn to comprehend stories
- Reading aloud positively influences a child’s interest in books
- Reading aloud motivates children to want to learn to read
- Reading aloud provides children with a model of fluency and expression when reading
- Reading aloud helps children to learn about issues in the social world, and to appreciate that others may hold different points of view than themselves
- Discussions generated by reading aloud can help children to connect ideas and experiences, construct meaning from the text and better understand unfamiliar vocabulary
Where Do I Find Books to Read Aloud
Start off with one of these collection:Â 150+ Picture Books to Read Aloud or 50 Read Aloud Chapter Books.
Or check out our Best Books for Kids themed booklists – there are book suggestions to enjoy with kids of all ages.
Why Do Children Like Re-Reading the Same Book?
Children learn through repetition and it is through repeated exposure to a story that children absorb the finer details it contains. It’s much like singing along to a song you enjoy when you hear it on the radio.
With each repeated reading, a child focuses on a different element of the story, whether it be the vocabulary, the rhythm and rhyme, the illustrations, plot, setting, story conflict, characters – there really is a lot to absorb, and with each re-reading the child makes a deeper connection with what they are hearing, seeing or reading.
Familiarity with the story encourages pre-readers to take risks too – engaging with the text as they join in the re-telling of the story from memory. For early readers, you’ll often find that they are following along with the words in the text as you read.
