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Read aloud to young children
You've been asked to read aloud, it could be a childrens bedtime story, an elderly friend, a reading in church, or sight reading at an audtion. Reading Aloud to Young Children Before you start to read aloud make sure that both you and the child/children are comfortable. It is very irritating for the reader if the listener keeps fidgeting and the same applies the other way round. If the child isn't familiar with the story start by discussing the cover. Ask the child what they think the book is about by looking at the illustration on the cover. If it's possible let the child turn the pages (perhaps not all the time) this will make them feel involved in the storytelling process. Pictures If there are pictures in the book you are going to read aloud or if it's a picture book, make sure that the child can see the pictures without you both having to move too much. Don't be in too much of a hurry to continue with the text. If the child is happy to discuss the pictures then do so. Familiar book If the story is familiar to the child - if it is a story that they've heard over and over again - pause every so often and let them tell you what is going to happen next. If the story is one that you've read aloud more than once - or twice, or three times - try to keep the enthusiasm that you would have had on the first reading. Ask the child why they love the story so much - perhaps they can see something in it that you can't. Start the story Remember to say the title of the book.When you start your reading, state the title and who it's written by. For example, 'Alice in Wondrerland by Lewis Carroll'. If you are only reading an extract from the book, start by saying, 'From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll'. Look at the child as often as you can while you are reading aloud. Especially the first sentence of each chapter and paragraph. This lets the child share the experience and gives you the chance to check if they are understanding and enjoying what you are reading to them. If they look confused or fed up, stop and ask why. Reading quickly Be very careful not to read too quickly. When we read to ourselves our brain and eyes can read very quickly but you need to remember that when you're reading aloud your mouth needs time to open and shut. The listener also needs time to take in what you've said. If you're not careful you will be reading the third paragraph but the child is still trying to picture the second paragraph. Expressive speech Use expressive speech to make the book sound even more interesting. Slow your speech down especially for serious parts of the book. Make good use of pace - faster for exciting parts and angry parts. Pitch should be varied - if you are reading a book full of supense, lower your voice if you need to sound happy higher the pitch. Power - or the volume - of your voice is probably less important when reading to just one ot rwo children sitting close to you. If you suddenly read aloud very loudly you will probably frighten them! Pausing is very important. Pause when you need to make a point. The grammer in the book will usually dictate when you pause, for example full stops and commas, but you can also pause before or after an important word. This makes the word stand out. Children don't always understand all the vocabulary in a book - even if it is written for their age group. If you make sure they can see your face and that you use your face they will pick up the meaning of the words. If you are reading something sad- look sad. If it's happy - look happy etc. Have fun If you read aloud to a child you are sharing an experience with them - you are not only entertaining them but teaching them as well. You are showing them that books and stories are fun.
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