If there is godfather of reading aloud to children, that man is Jim Trelease. Trelease first wrote The Read-Aloud Handbook in 1982 after being intrigued by the connection of reading aloud to kids and their motivation to read more. All of the information he could find on the topic was written in hard-to-understand academic jargon. His book made that research accessible to parents and teachers.Shortly after the first edition of The Read-Aloud Handbook was published, the US Department of Education's Commission on Reading stated in Becoming a Nation of Readers that "the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children." This study directed immense interest toward reading aloud and Trelease's handbook became the bible.
Currently in its seventh edition (published in 2013), the Handbook includes easy-to-read research on the importance and impact of reading aloud along with implementable tips for parents and teachers to make it a reality in their homes and classrooms. The newest edition includes chapters on digital reading and the impact of TV and audiobooks on the reading culture.
So many people feel lost about how to make reading aloud interesting and accessible to young kids. Trelease presents a simple list of Do's and Don'ts for reading aloud. Do's include reading as often as possible, starting with simpler books then moving toward more complex ones and taking time to expand the learning experience by allowing time for discussion or investigation into interesting parts of a story. Don'ts include reading a book that you don't enjoy yourself and using reading as a punishment.
So many people feel lost about how to make reading aloud interesting and accessible to young kids. Trelease presents a simple list of Do's and Don'ts for reading aloud. Do's include reading as often as possible, starting with simpler books then moving toward more complex ones and taking time to expand the learning experience by allowing time for discussion or investigation into interesting parts of a story. Don'ts include reading a book that you don't enjoy yourself and using reading as a punishment.
One of the most useful parts of the Handbook is the immense treasury of read-aloud titles at the back of the book. Since Trelease encourages folks to read aloud to children well past the picture book stage, the bibliography includes short stories and novels as well as books that can be read in one sitting. All of the books listed include a age range for which the book is best suited.
Whether you're just beginning to spend time reading to kids or you've been doing it for years, The Read-Aloud Handbook is a valuable resource that will enhance your experience and that of the children listening.
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