Read for Joy

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• Reading Aloud to Children Helps Them in so Many Ways!
• The Joy Begins: Reading to Infants
• Language in Motion: Reading to Toddlers
• Active Participants: Reading to Preschoolers
• Enjoying Books Together: Reading to Early Readers
• Reading Together: Sharing Book With Older Children
• The Library: Your Family's Reading Resource

READING ALOUD TO CHILDREN HELPS THEM IN SO MANY WAYS!

Reading together with your child is COZY. When you share a book, you enjoy being close. It is a time to give each other your undivided attention. This time says, "You are special to me!" Even after a bad day, reading together restores peace and love in the home.

• Reading helps children learn about language. They learn new words and what they mean. Children hear words in books that they don't hear in conversation. The colorful pictures in children's books give meaning to the words.
• Reading to children helps prepare them for school success. Hearing books read aloud helps children learn to listen! As they follow along, they learn that the "marks" on the pages have meaning. This gives them the background they need to learn to read! As you read for longer times, you help to increase their attention span. Being able to pay attention in school will help them succeed.
• Reading to your children will give them new experiences. Your child can learn about a farm before he ever visits one! Pictures of cows, pigs and cornstalks can teach him what a farm is like. He can "travel" to the moon or the bottom of the ocean through books.
• Books can prepare a child for her first visit to the dentist or her first day of school. Through books, children can learn about people who are different from the people they know. Reading about the unfamiliar can make it less scary. Books can expand your child's understanding of the whole world!
• Sharing stories with your child can help him deal with problems. Does he think that no one likes him? Or that he'll never learn to write his name? Many characters in books feel that way, too. Reading about them may help!
• Books help develop a child's imagination. Books teach her to think about life creatively. Listening to stories, she can imagine other possibilities for her own life!
• Books make parenting easier. Once your child has learned to enjoy reading, books provide a fun activity. When you have to wait to see the doctor or sit still in the car, reading will make time pass quickly. Instead of becoming impatient, your child can wait happily!
• But the best reason of all to share books with your child is this: Reading can be a joy! Books can be funny, amazing, sad, or inspiring. Illustrations in books are often great art. Books provide a time to forget your problems and relax. Enjoy this treat yourself. Raise your children with books!

HOW CAN YOUTEACH YOUR CHILD TO LOVE BOOKS?

One way is by example. Let your child see you reading! When children see their parents reading, it teaches them that reading is important. Children who love to read come from families who read.

• When you read something interesting, tell your child about it. He will learn that books are a good way to learn new things. When you read something that makes you laugh, share that with him, too. He will learn that books are funny. And when you read something that makes you sad, tell him about it. It will teach him that books have the power to touch real human beings.
• Let your child know that you have favorite books. Handle these books gently to show that you value them. She will learn that the best books are to be treasured.

HOW TO BEGIN READING ALOUD

When you begin to read aloud, prepare for success! Choose a time when your child is alert and happy. Make sure you turn off the TV and radio! Focus all your attention on your child. Hold him on your lap or sit close to him.

• Choose a book that you know will interest him. Start with something short. Talk about the cover, and let him look at the pictures. Ask questions that will make him curious about the story. "Why is the boy sad?" or "Where is the dog hiding?" Asking questions will make him ready to listen.

MAKE READING ALOUD FUN!

When you read to your child, do it with enthusiasm! Read books you like! Use different voices for different characters. Read slowly to enjoy every word. Then read fast in the exciting parts! Make your voice sometimes soft and sometimes loud to add to the meaning.

• Ask questions about the story as you go along. Your child will get more out of the book if you talk about it together. With older children, talk about the author or the illustrator. Ask your child why he thinks they made the book the way they did. He may want to read more books by the same author.
• Find ways to bring the books you read to life. If you read BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL, eat blueberries. At bath time, read MAX'S BATH. When you read THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF, act out the story, taking turns being the goats and the troll.
• Watch your child's reaction. Give her a chance to see the illustrations. Answer her questions as you read. Talk about the pictures or the story. Be patient if she loses interest. You don't have to finish the whole book! You can put it aside to finish later. Never force a bored child to sit still and listen. Keep offering books in a positive way. She will learn that reading means special times with you. Soon your child will want to hear the whole story!

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