Volunteer Resources

Tips for Reading Aloud:

• Before you begin, allow a moment for your student to settle down. If you are continuing a book ask what happened in the story last time.
• Begin by reading the title, author, and illustrator. If there is information on the back of the book or dust jacket, bring the author to life with a short biography.
• Ask your student what they think the story might be about.
• Use plenty of expression when reading and if possible change your voice for different characters.
• Let your student look at the illustrations when you turn to a new page.
• Read slowly enough for the child to build mental pictures of the story.
• Involve your student by asking him what he thinks will happen next.
• Feel free to stop reading a book if you feel it was a poor choice. Acknowledge the mistake and move on.
• Ask questions that help your student connect the story with their own life or help her to compare the book to other books she has read.
• Allow time for discussion after the story and encourage your child to talk about the book. Do not turn the discussions into quizzes.