I am an avid reader-- and have been for as far back as I can remember. I am convinced that this is at least in part due to being read to from a very young age.During this time when my primary students are my sons, ages 3-1/2 years & 20 months old, I'm gaining new insight into how students learn to read. I'm also working to cultivate a lifelong love of books in them; rediscovering old favorites and finding some 'new & notable' picture books.
On our shelf right now is Caps for Sale (my personal favorite from kindergarten! --a tale of a peddler, some caps, and some monkey business); The Very Hungry Caterpillar (a kids' staple, made better by the fact that we recently saw a real caterpillar); School Bus (few words, but bright, simple graphics); My Truck is Stuck (a rhythmic, rhyming story of mischievous prairie dogs and their plan to steal a truckload of bones).
Michael Sullivan, author of Connecting Boys to Books, said, "The time to stop reading aloud to kids is... never!" While silent, independent reading has its place, hearing a story raises comprehension by reinforcing the connection between the spoken and the written word. Hearing a story also develops better listening skills.
It's time to rediscover the benefits of reading aloud!
Do you have any fond memories of being read to? What stories made an impression on you in your childhood (and/or growing up years)? What can you do to recapture the joy of hearing a story read?
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