Tips For Reading Out Loud

“We have an obligation to read aloud to our children. To read them things they enjoy. To read to them stories we are already tired of. To do the voices, to make it interesting, and not to stop reading to them just because they learn to read to themselves. Use reading-aloud time as bonding time…” -Neil Gaiman

One of the best ways to teach a child to read well is to teach them to read expressively. And the best way to teach them is to read expressively is to lead by example.

And it does not stop there.

Tips Do Reading Out Loud

1. Ask Predictive Questions such as: What do you think the story will be about? Look at the book flaps or read about the author. What other books have you read by the same author?
2. Take moments during the story to ask Attention Questions. These are usually specific to the story but could include counting objects, clarifying pictures, asking your child what might happen, or what has happened.
3. Answer questions. Undoubtedly your child will have questions throughout the story too. Pause and answer. Questions should be encouraged!
4. Enunciate each word and speak clearly.
5. Don't read too quickly. Pause slightly for commas, periods, and to add emphasis.
6. Read expressively. A great, detailed article on expressive reading and the importance of prosody can be found here.
7. Show enthusiasm and exaggerate emotions. People, especially children, respond best to exaggeration.
8. Display emotions through facial expressions, actions, and tone; be a good actor/actress.
9. Read together. Even if your child can't read, they can usually pick up on patterns and remember parts of stories that you read frequently. They can contribute as little as one word, supplying animal noises or names.
10. Follow up with discussion. Talk about what happened, what might happen next, and what stories are similar that you've read together.