I’ve been studying reading aloud to children.  I’m speaking of reading great books to children … great books above their reading level.

WHY READ ALOUD?

Children need to be read to on a regular basis.  From a wide variety of printed materials.  Reading aloud is seen as the single most important way to collect the knowledge required for eventual success in reading.

WHERE IS THE BETTER VOCABULARY?  IN CONVERSATION OR READING?

There are two main forms of language:  spoken and written.  They are related but they are not twins.

Every day, we hear spoken words.  Our conversation is imprecise, rambling, and much less organized than words in print.  The way we speak to each other is far less structured than written words.

Expert Jim Trelease said, “The richer the words you hear, the richer will be the words you give back — in speech or writing.”

Another quote that I treasure, “If you’ve never heard a word, it’s unlikely you’ll ever say it.  So how are you going to read it and write it?”

It would make sense that children who enjoy conversations with adults AND hear stories are exposed to richer language than the child who only experiences conversation.

HOW DOES A CHILD’S READING GET BETTER IF YOU (THE PARENT) ARE THE READER?

When the adult reads, three things happen.  There is pleasure between the child, the parent and the story. The child and adult are learning.  And the adult is pouring words into the child.  The adult can ask questions, to be sure the child is understanding the story.

Know that listening comprehension comes BEFORE reading comprehension.  There can be significant difference in listening skill and reading skill.

THERE’S MORE TO SHARE …

Later, I will share more of what I’ve learned.

But I found an article by C.S. Lewis.  He commented on children and reading fairy tales.

He wondered if children have the knowledge of good, evil, courage, and bravery.

I appreciate his thought, “Since it is so likely that they (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage….”

Brave knights and heroic courage.

I want my little people to know about heroic courage.

May they recognize heroic courage at home and in the people around them.