What is Reading Aloud？
It simply means that parents pick up a book and read to children. No amount of tech can replace the one thing that matters the most, your voice with undivided attention.
“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” – Jim Trelease
Start Reading Aloud – The Earlier the Better!
You can start as soon as your baby is born! Babies can benefit from reading aloud by listening to your comforting voice. It helps her feel safe and loved. Reading also stimulates the sense of hearing, sight and touch.
“The first few years of life is critical to your child’s brain development. Your baby is literally making trillions of connections during the first few years, the fastest it will ever grow” – Readaloud.org
The easiest way to bond with your child – no physical stamina or expensive toys is needed! Putting your child on your lap and reading to her are the best memories she will ever have of you.
Reading also helps expand vocabulary, develop comprehension and communication skills, encourage imagination and foster empathy.
The Ultimate goal of reading aloud…
…Is to set children on the road of becoming lifelong readers.
Parents reading to children is a joyful experience.
When children associate reading with pleasure, the likelihood of becoming avid readers increases significantly.
How to Read to a Baby?
- Place the baby on your lap, show him/her how to flip a book.
- Let the baby touch, flip, smell and chew cloth books and board books.
- Read to the baby for 2-5 minutes.
- Babies love routines, so try to read everyday at the same time, e.g. before bedtime.
What to Read to Babies?
Tips and Tricks
- Expect lots of chewing and short attention span
- Expect reading the same book over and over again
- Use lots of “Oooh”s and “Aaah”s when reading
- Remember to give lots of hugs and kisses too
- !Do not force babies to stay still and listen to you
- !Do not turn reading sessions into teaching sessions
There’s no need to rush
Remember that reading aloud should be fun and stress-free. When you feel overwhelmed caring for your little one, it’s OK to take a break. But when you have time to catch a breath or two, pick up that book and read for even as little as 1 minute. It adds up.
Thank You for Your Time!
The content of this presentation is based on books about reading aloud expertise, as well as combined experiences shared by read aloud parents in Malaysia, including one with qualifications in Children Education Psychology.
You may download the PDF version of this guide here. Copyright reserved, please do not modify or plagiarize any parts of the content.