Saturday, July 12, 2008

READING A BOOK TO A CHILD OR GROUP

q When introducing each book, hold it to display the cover. Give the title, the author, and the illustrator.
q Hold the book open in one hand, on one side of your body, so that children can see the illustrations easily. Slightly tilt or turn the book so that all children can see the double page spread. Try to hold the book as steady and motionless as possible. Limit large motions with the book (such as panning the book across the audience), as this can very distracting. Instead try to maintain a steady posture throughout the sharing time.
q Introducing the first book is important. Have your body language, tone of voice, and language indicate how you want the children to respond. Your opening will set the tone for all that follows.
q Use your own voice (especially as a new reader): steady, natural, but animated.. Keep it simple. Do not rush and have good volume. Enunciate clearly.
q At natural times in the story turn to the children, make eye contact, and draw them into the story.
q Try to maintain the attention of the story – in a positive manner. Invite them back to the story without embarrassing them. This is where the adults in the room can be put to use to help maintain order.
q Allow the children to absorb the text at their own pace: meaning that you should read slowly (but in an interesting way) and pause before turning each page.
q Encourage children to have fun by participating in refrains or chants. Set this up at the start and provide a clear clue for them to join in.
q Be cautious of interrupting the story by adding unnecessary comments or by asking questions (save those for a second read through of the book). Although predicting can be a valid reading tool – it can be akin to someone talking
during a movie. Carefully limit and target the groups and times for use of this tool.
q It is best to ignore spontaneous interruptions from children or to simply indicate that they
wait. Through a simple hand gesture (finger to lips). It is always best to have a helper monitor the children if the group is large or boisterous.

No comments: