The Importance of Read Alouds Emphasis on Vocabulary

The Importance of Read Alouds: Emphasis on Vocabulary & Comprehension Presented by: Ashley Miller-Tazelaar May 30, 2011

Recap! � Let’s recap what you learned at last week’s meeting regarding alphabet knowledge. � Would you like to share something you did at home this past week to promote your child’s alphabet knowledge? � Any questions you have?

What Exactly is a Read Aloud? � Reading aloud to your child! � Interactive read alouds provide the opportunity to promote literacy and have fun at the same time! � An interactive read aloud involves being engaged with the text. Stop and talk about what you are reading, explain things, ask questions, make comments, etc. (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2007, p. 123 )

Why Should I Read Aloud to My Child? One obvious reason—for FUN! Reading aloud builds letter sound knowledge. Reading aloud helps your child develop concepts of print. � Reading aloud to children helps their comprehension. � Reading aloud to children increases their vocabulary. � Reading aloud increases your child’s knowledge about the world. � � � (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2005, p. 65)

First and Foremost--Have Fun! Snuggle in with your child as you read. Encourage your child to be a participant during the read aloud—either by reading along, asking questions, making comments, turning pages, etc. � Take cues from your child. If he/she has difficulty sitting still, think about reading in short chunks. � Encourage all family members to read aloud to your child! � Find books that involve movement (Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes, by Judith Hindley) (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2005, p. 124). � � (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2005, p. 66)

Building Vocabulary To help develop your child’s vocabulary during a read aloud, it is important to take the time to explain and talk about important new words in the text (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2005, p. 76). � Take time to talk about vocabulary words before, during, and after a read aloud (Bennett� Armistead, et al. , 2005, p. 77). � Try to use the new words in your every day life! (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2007, p. 135).

Comprehension � � � Comprehension is our ability to make sense of what we read. During read alouds you can encourage your child’s comprehension by doing many things. Ask questions about what you are reading (think about open ended questions vs. closed questions that only require a yes/no answer) Have a conversation about the book. Make connections between the book and your child’s life, or between the book and another book your child has read. (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2007, p. 139)

Where Should Read Alouds Take Place? ANYWHERE! Be creative when thinking about where to read aloud. � Some suggestions include: outside, in a cozy “nook” in the house, in the bathtub, in a tent. � One of my daughter’s favorite read aloud “nooks” in our house is in our living room behind a chair that is angled in a corner. She has a pile of blankets and pillows stashed behind the chair to make it extra cozy! � �

Activity Suggestion � � � As the weather is getting warmer, is your child excited to spend more time outside? If so, try this! Pick a spot to read outside such as under a tree, on the front or back porch, in the yard, etc. Choose a book related to the outdoors and/or something your child is interested in. (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2007, p. 179 -180) My daughter loves to feed the birds and chipmunks that come to our feeders, so I may choose a book about birds or chipmunks to read aloud outside. We may even see them while we are reading!

How Should I Select Books to Read Aloud? Choose books that have rich language and a compelling plot. � Make sure non-fiction books have correct information. � Choose books by well known, respected authors/illustrators (ask a librarian, friend, teacher, etc. for recommendations). � Choose books based on your child’s interests. � Choose books from a wide variety of genres. � (Bennett-Armistead, et al. , 2007, p. 40)

Book Suggestions �I brought a few examples of suggested books for read alouds. Feel free to take a look at the end of our session. � I will also provide a handout with a list of great books to read aloud for all ages.

Questions? � Feel free to contact me if you have a question after you leave. My email is: mill 1002@msu. edu. � Tonight’s meeting concludes our series of parent meetings. � I will send an email regarding future opportunities for parent meetings. � Thank you for coming and have a great evening!

References Bennett-Armistead, V. S. , Duke, N. K. , Moses, A. M. (2007). Beyond bedtime stories: A parent’s guide to promoting reading, writing, and other literacy skills from birth to 5. New York: Scholastic. Bennett-Armistead, V. S. , Duke, N. K. , & Moses, A. M. (2005). Literacy and the youngest learner: Best practices for educators of children from birth to 5. New York: Scholastic.