Read-Alouds as Building Blocks of Early Literacy
How Caregivers Can Foster Early Reading Skills
Nov 1, 2008
As school curriculum increases in intensity, it is more important than ever to foster early literacy using read-alouds from a very early age, in order for children to become independent readers and learners. Parents want what is best for their kids, but with the stresses of everyday life, many parents are sacrificing the benefits of read-aloud time with their children.
The Key to Nurturing Read-Aloud Time
The key to nurturing read-aloud time begins not only in developing a sound routine for reading aloud, but also by structuring an ideal period of sustained, uninterrupted reading time. Start with twenty minutes and build reading time in increments of five to ten minutes as often as possible.
Dramatize the Read-Aloud Experience
Don't underestimate the quirky and funny elements of storytelling. Quirky characters and funny elements can generate a variety of reactions and funny responses. In fact, you are being a good role model by reading books that you get a kick out of. Stories are meant to be acted out and personalized. If you can connect to the characters, then acting it out should not be such a big deal. Here are a few tips:
- Use lots of expression, different voices and sound effects when appropriate.
- Read books that play with language such as poetry, tongue twisters, rhymes and riddles. Such books lend themselves to the natural, spontaneous and almost musical elements of reading.
Short Non-Fiction Read-Alouds
Easy non-fiction texts such as Pebble Series published by Capstone make wonderfully short read-alouds books that are perfect for the average preschool and toddler attention span. Since a lot of learning depends on repetition, these books are perfect. Early non-fiction typically have two or three sentences making the book both informative and interesting.
Read Books You Connect with and Still Do
There is something magical about reading old favorite classic read-alouds. A caregiver's excitement can be infectious, which has the effect of enhancing the read-aloud time by making it a very unique and personal time when both child and caregiver can relax, snuggle and enjoy read-alouds together.
It's all in the Pictures
Pictures are valuable non-verbal text material. Use them as meeting points between the story and the reading experience. Stop a moment and tie questions and pictures so as to bring out the story concept.
You know you did something right when your child wants to read his/her favorite read-aloud again after you've finished reading it. If you chose a book based on your early reading experiences and how you nurture early literacy, chances are you will have maximized the reading experience to its fullest and will increase the potential for a lifelong reader.
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