Do's and Don'ts of Reading Aloud with Your Child at Home

I found this list of "Do's and Don'ts for Reading Aloud" in one of my graduate school textbooks.  I thought it had some great suggestions!

DO:

• Begin reading to children as early in their lives as they can be supported to sit and listen.
• Use rhymes, raps, songs, chants, poetry, and pictures to stimulate oral language development, listening and interaction with others.
• Read aloud to children at least 10-15 minutes daily, more often if possible.
• Set aside a time for daily reading aloud in the family's schedule.
• Read picture books to all ages, but gradually move to reading longer books without pictures as well.
• Vary the topics and genre (fiction, nonfiction, poetry) of read aloud selections.
• Read books that stretch children's intellectual and oral language development.
• Allow plenty of time for interaction before, during and after the reading.
• Read aloud with expression and enthusiasm.
• Add another dimension to reading by occasionally using hand movements or puppets or by dressing up in costume.
• Carry a book with you at all times to model your love of books and reading.

DON'T:

• Don't read aloud too fast.
• Don't read aloud books that children can read on their own - give a "book talk" instead!
• Don't read aloud books and stories you don't enjoy yourself.
• Don't continue reading a book you don't like.  Admit it, and choose another.
• Don't impose your interpretations and preferences on children.
• Don't confuse quantity for quality.
• Don't use reading aloud as a reward or punishment.

If I can add a few of my own "do's"...

• Ask questions of your child! Make their brain process information and think of answers.  Don't accept a shrug as an answer.  
• Let your child see you reading often.  Talk with your child about what you are reading and why.
• Use the public library!!  Ms. Whitney at the Paw Paw Public Library is a fantastic resource!  She's an amazing librarian for children and can find books for every passion!
• Give books as gifts!  No one can ever have too many books and it helps students to think of them as gifts to be treasured (which they are!!)