Reading+Aloud+to+Children

**// Some Thoughts on Reading Aloud to Children //** In 1983, the Commission on Reading was formed and funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In 1985, it published the report, "Becoming a Nation of Readers". A critical finding of this report was:

"The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children."

This important information can be found in a wonderful resource for both educators and parents. Jim Trelease, in his The Read Aloud Handbook, spells out undeniable reasons why parents and teachers should be spending a large amount of time reading aloud to their children (be they in kindergarten or tenth grade). Read aloud is a focal point of my classroom. In addition to pure enjoyment, read aloud offers great models as students grow as readers and writers. I like to marinate my students in great literature.

Jim Trelease, as mentioned above, also discusses the importance of read aloud time at home. I have listed just a few suggestions Trelease mentions in his book:

-Read as often as you and the child/students have time for. -Set aside at least one traditional time each day for a story. -Vary the length and subject matter of your readings. -The first time you read a book, discuss the illustration on the cover. -Occasionally read above the child's intellectual level and challenge their minds. -Allow time for discussion after reading. Thoughts, fears, and discoveries are aroused by literature. Share them. -Remember that successful read aloud comes with practice. -The most common mistake in reading aloud is reading too fast. -Allow the child to read by him/herself. All your read aloud motivation goes naught if time is not available to put it into practice. -Regulate the amount of time children spend in front of the television. -Research shows that after about 11 hours of TV a week, a child's school scores drop.

D. E. Chase Beecher Road School 2003

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