How to Read-Aloud with Children

"Reading aloud is an art form in which the eyes and voice play important parts." 

-Mem Fox

 Teacher read alouds are planned oral readings of children's books. They are a vital part of literacy instruction in primary classrooms. Reading aloud everyday to students is a way to motivate children to read on their own, model good reading, promote critical thinking, and create a sense of community in your classroom. While reading, teachers model strategies that children can use during their own independent reading. Books play an important role in children's social and academic development. Children who are read to are usually the very best readers in the classroom, and they acquire large vocabularies, write well, and do better in other subject areas, as well. 

 In an article I recently read by Mem Fox, titled "A Read-Aloud Lesson", Fox talks about the importance of reading aloud well with children so that they truly benefit from the experience. She says "The more expressively we read, the more fantastic the experience will be. The more our kids love books, the more they’ll pretend to read them, and the more they pretend to read, the more quickly they’ll learn to read. So reading aloud is not quite enough—we need to read aloud well." She then goes on to provide parents and teachers with some important tips on how to impact the children that they are reading to :

- When reading a story, be familiar with it, and like it. Remain aware of body position, eyes and children's expressions, our vocal variety, and our facial animations.

-Be expressive as possible.

-Read a book in exactly the same way every time, so the tune is easy to remember for the children.

-The story should be in the eyes as much as it's in the mouth.

-NEVER talk in a cutesy, sugary, patronizing voice, as to talk down to the children.

-Really see in our mind's eye, the thing we are reading about.

-Sensationally speak the first line of the story, as to capture the audience immediately and never let them go.

-Finally, the last line should be a definite dismissal, a farewell as to not leave the listeners with an incompleteness. Both teller and listener should find themselves in a state of bliss.