Tips for Classroom Reading

• Skim the book yourself before you share it with a group of children.  this will give you a chance to judge whether you like the book, as well as alert you to any difficulties with language or subject matter.

• Make your listeners comfortable.  It's easier for them to pay attention if they're facing away from bright windows and lots of other activity.

• Find the best time for reading each day.  Children will listen better after recess or lunch than they will before.

• Start small.  If your children haven't been read to much, your first sessions may need to be short.  For first and second graders, ten or fifteen minutes may be enough.  Older more experienced listeners may enjoy half-hour sessions.

• Pay attention to your listeners.  Look up from the book from time to time to make eye contact with the group.  This way you'll know whether they're still spellbound or ready for a break.

• Don't stop!  Middle school students are not too old for reading aloud.  In fact, some of the best books for reading aloud are most enjoyed by this age group.

• Have fun.  Don't try to read books you don't enjoy yourself - your lack of enthusiasm will come through.  Do allow this to be fun for you and the children.