The Learning Ladder A Reading and Writing Curriculum for Early Care and Education Teachers, Children and Families

Reading Aloud to Children

1. Know your book well. Read it aloud to yourself first. Make sure you know all of the words before you read it to the children. Know the story well so you can read it upside down or from the side. This way you can make it possible for everyone to see.

2. Sit close to the children. Use a low chair so you are closer to the group. Make sure that everybody can see all of the pictures.

3. Get their attention. For example, have children look at the cover. Have them guess what the story is about.

4. Be dramatic. Make your voice as interesting as possible. If you can, change your voice for different characters. Speak loudly in some places. Then change your voice and speak very quietly in others.

Video: How to Read in a Dramatic Way
You may view the QuickTime (".mpg") version of this video.

chicka.mpg (2.8mb MPG file)

5. Make sounds. When possible, make a sound instead of reading the word. For example, if the word reads "knock", then knock on the back of your chair to make the sound.

6. Get the children involved. Use a child's name for one of the characters. Find other ways for them to participate. Ask them questions. Help them say the repeating phrases. Find places to stop in the story to ask what they think will happen next.

Did you finish reading? Go to the activities for Part 3.

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