Approaches to Reading Aloud with Your Child
      Reading aloud to children is an experience that establishes a love of reading.  Reading aloud to children encourages good listen habits, builds oral vocabulary, and supports one's knowledge of how language works.  A child who has been read to regularly expects and looks for meaning as they ready themselves for the basis of comprehension.  It is a pleasurable activity that bonds the reader and the listener to a good story.  Jim Trelease, noted author and expert on the benefits of reading aloud to children, says that parents should read aloud to their children from infancy on as it is a worthwhile and very informative activity.  The following are some tips to keep in mind when reading aloud to your child.
*  Select stories you both enjoy.

*  Before reading a book, preview the pictures and discuss/predict what might happen.

*  If possible, take turns reading pages and/or parts.

*  Talk about your favorite characters and story events.

*  Talk about the exciting parts.

*  Read a variety of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poems, jokes, and plays.

*  Be prepared to read and reread favorite books.

*  Try to include multicultural literature as well.  This will keep things interesting, learning
    about different cultures and people and the many actions and beliefs others uphold.
    While providing varied reading experiences for your child (just think of the different
    languages and dialects that can be portrayed in multicultural books), your reading of
    multicultural literature will highlight that many ways people are alike and different all
    while developing tolerance and social experience.
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To learn more, please visit:

The WebPage of Jim Trelease-- journalist, researcher, and author of The Read Aloud Handbook
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com

Literacy Connections:  Promoting Literacy and a Love of Reading
http://literacyconnections.com/ReadingAloud.php

United Through Reading
http://www.read2kids.org/readaloud.htm
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