Tips for reading aloud to your children
HERE are some tips from the Early Childhood Commission for reading aloud to your children:
1. If you haven’t read the book already, scan it to get a sense of its contents before you start reading aloud.
2. Select texts to match the children’s reading and comprehension levels and interests.
3. Discuss the cover picture and title of the text.
4. Encourage questions from your audience before, during and after the reading.
5. Read at a moderate pace. Go slowly to build up suspense, and speed up during exciting scenes.
6. Make the story come alive. Use props; for example, hats, walking sticks and glasses.
7. Involve your audience in phrases that are catchy and repetitive. Let the children say them with you.
8. Use facial expressions, gestures and body movements to enhance what you are reading.
