Wherever I find myself—whether in a library, at a doctor’s office, or even waiting for my car’s oil change—I can easily identify a teacher reading aloud to children. Their approach is distinctively engaging.
Teachers don’t merely read the words; they interact with the book and the kids, making the experience captivating. They naturally incorporate strategies that prompt children to think critically and connect with the story. Their use of varied voices and expressive tones makes it hard to ignore them.
In educational settings, these methods are recognized as best practices. Teachers aim for their students to consider elements like characters, plot, and setting, encouraging them to ask questions that enhance comprehension and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, they want their students to read fluently on their own.
If you don’t have a teaching background, these techniques might seem daunting. However, integrating some of these tricks into your storytime routine can be simpler than you think and can yield significant benefits! Here are five straightforward techniques to help foster literacy skills in your children during reading time:
Technique 1: “I wonder…”
While reading, take pauses to make “I wonder…” statements or questions. After a few examples, invite your children to share their own wonders. This prompts them to think about cause and effect, predictions, and patterns in stories, while also developing empathy by examining characters and their decisions.
Example: In “The Three Little Pigs,” pause after the wolf encounters the second pig and say, “I wonder what will happen next!” Give your child a chance to guess. You might also ask, “I wonder how the pig feels after losing his house?”
Technique 2: “Why do you think…?”
Similar to the first technique, asking “Why do you think…?” encourages deeper thinking and comprehension.
Example: Continuing with “The Three Little Pigs,” consider asking: “Why do you think the wolf wanted to blow down the house?” or “Why did the first pig choose straw for his house?”
Technique 3: Fill in the Blank
When reading stories with repetitive patterns or rhymes, leave out a key word for your child to fill in. This helps them recognize the story’s structure and sound out rhymes.
Example: While reading “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?” leave out “see” or “me” for your kids to complete. For older kids, omit more complex words.
Technique 4: Expression
Fluency in reading means that words flow smoothly, with appropriate pauses and expression. To help your child develop this skill, read with enthusiasm and variation in your tone. It doesn’t require theatrical skills—just be playful and give different characters unique voices, creating excitement in the narrative.
Example: Books like “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” are great for this expressive reading.
Technique 5: Examining Pictures
Illustrations are not just entertaining; they provide critical context. As children learn to read independently, they need to use visual clues to understand the story and decode words. Encourage your kids to explore the pictures to grasp the setting and narrative.
Example: In “Corduroy,” ask your child what they notice about Corduroy on the shelf. They might mention colors or shapes, which can lead to discussions about the text.
Try implementing these techniques during your next reading session with your child. You’ll likely be surprised by how easy they are to use and how much your child will learn and enjoy the experience!
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