Believe it or not, there are extra things to think about when you read to preschoolers. The activity goes far beyond simply picking up a book and reading out loud. You can help kids get the most out of your read aloud time with just a few simple tricks. These will help you maximize the learning value of the activity and move your children forward with their readiness for academic work. Ready to learn how to read to preschoolers?
Choose the Best Books to Read to Preschoolers
Before you even call the kids over to sit with you, make sure you are choosing outstanding books to share. Head to the library or bookstore, and find books that
- have an engaging story. This means there are characters kids can relate to and the characters have a problem that kids will care about.
- have entertaining illustrations. Preschoolers are very visual people, so nearly all of them will want to choose books based on the illustrations. Make sure the pictures are clear, colorful, and detailed. Look for diversity in characters and lots of setting and scene information. Many stories are told primarily through pictures.
- are the right length. Books for preschoolers should take between five and twenty minutes to read. The story told should be complete within that time frame.
- include rich language or text that encourages reading independence. These are not usually attributes of the same book, so look for one or the other.
Preview the Story before You Read to Preschoolers
When you look the story over carefully before you get started with the reading, you can plan enrichments and games that will grab and hold their attention. Note any words that are likely to be unfamiliar and introduce them ahead of time. Consider points in the story where you could pause to ask kids to summarize or predict what will come next.
Prepare the Setting
It’s best to read when there are no other distractions. Turn off the television and put away the electronics. Get comfortable. Preschoolers love physical contact, so make room for kids to sit beside you, on your lap, or nearby on the floor. Make sure everyone can see well. You may want to consider an unusual setting to add interest: try reading in a blanket fort, in the bathtub, or under a table. Reading in the dark with a flashlight can be quite engaging as well.
Be Flexible
Remember that not all children want or need to be sitting down with you to enjoy a story. Even if your child wants to be across the room or wants to fidget with a toy in hand, rest assured that they are still listening and try different strategies to keep them engaged.
Don’t Plan to Read the Book Straight Through
Kids will be more engaged if you intersperse some discussion and other activities while you read. Ask questions about how a character might respond, talk about what your child might have done differently, predict the outcome of a character’s actions, and so forth. Play memory games, sequencing games, and games to promote understanding of words and how they work. Think of rhymes, synonyms and antonyms. Choose a “secret word” and have kids clap when they hear it.
Follow Up
After you’ve shared the story, don’t just drop it. Think of fun related activities, such as retelling the story, turning it into a skit, or drawing a picture of the characters. Remember that kids will be thinking about the story and processing the information long after you close the book.
Want to know more?
Watch the webinar, “Maximize Your Read-Aloud Time”! Sign up today, and you’ll get some great ideas, a bonus e-book, and a fabulous workbook that you can use again and again to make the most of the time you spend reading to your preschoolers (and other kids). Click HERE to sign up today!
