Kindergarten Kickoff > Tips on Reading Aloud

Before you begin reading a book, say the title of the book and the name of the author. Look at the cover illustration and ask your child what she thinks the story is about.

Make reading interactive. As you read:

• Ask what your child thinks is going to happen next.
• Point out new information: "I didn't know that bats liked mangos." (From Stellaluna by Janell Cannon)
• Relate your child's experience to action in the book: "What have we seen bats around our house eat?"
• Have your child turn the pages of the book.

Don't rush. Read at a pace that allows your child to think about what he is hearing and to look at the book's illustrations.

After you've read a book, engage your Kindergartner in a conversation about the story. Talking about the story helps develop
comprehension skills and important thinking skills. The greatest gains in reading skills occur with children who are involved in discussions after reading a story. Ask your child to:

• Retell the story.
• Encourage your child to share mental images related to the story. For example, "How do you imagine it would feel to fly through the forest when it's dark and you can't see?"

Some very active children as well as reluctant readers may find it hard to sit and listen to a story. Try this suggestion from The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: give your child paper, crayons and pencils and have him or her draw while you read.

Don't continue reading a book if it becomes apparent that the book was a poor choice.