Why Read Aloud?

Information from "reading Aloud' site. - why this is our home reading for the start of the term.

BENEFITS OF READING ALOUD to your child

·       Fosters a love of reading

·       Children enjoy stories without the frustration of reading

·       Builds listening and comprehension skills

·       Makes complex ideas accessible

·       Models fluent reading

·       Expands vocabulary

·       Builds grammar

·       Teaches pronunciation of new words

·       Except when we don’t know how to pronounce them either! (‘Amorphophallus paeoniifolius’, anyone?)

·       Introduces authors, texts, and genres they might not choose themselves

·       Develops imagination and creativity

·       Promotes discussion and critical thinking

·       Starts meaningful conversations

·       Strengthens emotional bonds

AND THERE’S A NEW AND IMPORTANT ONE YOU CAN ADD TO THAT LIST

Around the time many people stop reading aloud to their children they start expecting more from them as WRITERS.

Middle-graders must produce well-written essays, reports, and stories to succeed in school, and strong written communication skills are a prerequisite in this digital age.

If you ask pretty much anyone how to improve writing skills they’ll tell you to READ, READ, READ.