It’s World Read Aloud Day.
Presented by LitWorld.org, this day represents a global literacy movement to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. Of course, we think the best way to celebrate is to read a book out loud with children like this Kindermusik mom and daughter.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha1GKAwFf0s[/youtube]
The Educational Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children
In many homes around the world, this scene of a parent and child sharing the joy of reading together repeats itself over and over again—and children love it! In fact, the latest Kids & Family Reading Report from Scholastic, shows that when it comes to being read aloud to at home, more than eight in 10 children (83%) across age groups say they love(d) or like(d) it a lot—the main reason being it was a special time with parents.
In addition to bonding, reading aloud holds other benefits, whether reading aloud with a parent, teacher, or other caregiver. Reading aloud increases a child’s print awareness, teaches them the cadence of language, boosts vocabulary, and expands a little one’s understanding of the world. It’s no wonder one of our favorite children’s authors, Kate DiCamillo said: “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift.”
3 Quick Kindermusik Tips for Reading Out Loud
- Read children’s books YOU love. One of the ways children learn to love reading is when the adults in their lives model that love!
- Encourage movement by imitating what you read. A child who moves around during story time is still gaining the benefits of reading. Plus, “jumping” when a character jumps or “reaching up high” to pluck an apple from a tree gives children a greater sense of the vocabulary words.
- Use funny voices and speak animatedly. This makes it fun for both the reader and the listener!
Watch how this Kindermusik educator puts those tips into action.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ObHpJlQIcw[/youtube]
Looking for more ideas on supporting a young child’s early literacy development? Visit a Kindermusik class to experience the connections between music and reading!
Contributed by Lisa Camino Rowell, a freelance writer in the Atlanta area.