Parent Tips for Reading Aloud

• Cultivate the habit of reading aloud by making a commitment - for some families, it may take some time to enjoy fully and feel comfortable with reading aloud.
• Create a special time and place for reading aloud in your home.
• Choose a book that is fun and interesting for both you and your child. If either of you is bored, find another book - there is a book for everyone!
• Be a ham! Read with expression and feeling - try different voices and sounds - make the snake hisssss and the door creeeak! Use pacing by reading slower or faster as the story changes.
• Preview your read-aloud book to be sure it has action and emotional impact, so that you and your child can share these experiences together.
• Sit close together and enjoy each other's company.
• Visit the library often and let your child help select books for reading aloud. Ask the youth librarian for suggestions.
• Encourage your child to be involved by talking about the book. Share your feelings with each other during exciting or sad parts.

Be sure to check out Great Read Aloud Titles.