Reading Aloud to Children - Brochure
Designed for Use with PREL’s Bilingual Reading Aloud to Children Audiotapes

There is joy in sharing books with children—books that make you laugh or cry; books that take you to unfamiliar places like the pyramids or the moon; books that explore real life and help you learn how others see the world.

We encourage you to spend time reading with your child. Reading aloud can instill a curiosity about books and the desire to learn to read. By taking time out of your day, every day, to read to your child, you share the joy of reading and help your child along the path to learning and knowledge.

How Does Reading Aloud Benefit Children?
Research shows that reading aloud to children has a significant effect on reading and language development. In addition, reading aloud:

• Prepares children for school and has a positive effect on academic success;
• Helps children to see the connection between speech and the printed word;
• Aids in listening, comprehension, vocabulary, and thinking skills;
• Develops a good attitude toward reading and learning;
• Develops “book knowledge” or a familiarity with books, titles, authors, illustrators, plot, etc.

Get Ready to Read Aloud!

• Make time at least once a day to read to your child.
• Select books on topics of interest to your child or allow him/her to help in selecting books.
• Preview books to make sure that they are appropriate for your child.
• Find a comfortable, pleasant environment that is free from distractions, and make sure your child can see the book and turn the pages.

Reading Aloud—Make It Fun!

• Read with expression…if you’re reading a spooky story, use a spooky voice; if it’s funny, giggle and laugh!
• As you read, allow your child to follow along. You can even point to the words as you read them.
• Look at and talk about the pictures.
• Encourage your child’s participation in reading or telling the story, especially if there are animal noises or other sounds.
• Ask your child to predict what will happen next and to express thoughts and feelings about the story.
• Ask open-ended questions and encourage your child to reflect on the story in his/her own way.
• Don’t be surprised if your child asks you to read some books over and over again. When children request repeat readings, they show their growing interest in print materials. And, each time they listen to a story, they can learn new things while reinforcing prior knowledge.

What Else Can Parents Do?

Show your children that you value reading and learning by creating a literate home environment:

• Encourage everyone in the household to read by setting aside a special time every day. Turn off the TV!
• Let your children see you reading a book; share your enthusiasm with them.
• Carry books with you wherever you go, and read when you have a chance.
• Fill your home with reading materials of all kinds—books, newspapers, magazines, and even supermarket labels can be read together.
• Visit the library, or borrow books from your child’s school.
• Preserve family traditions by telling stories and then writing them down together in homemade family books.

PREL’s Reading Aloud to Children audiotapes are available in English on one side and in the following Pacific languages on the other side: Carolinian, Chamorro, Chuukese, Hawaiian, Ilocano, Kosraean, Marshallese, Palauan, Pohnpeian, Samoan, Woleaian, and Yapese.

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