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Read Aloud Fun

© Heather Goldsmith

Reading aloud to children should be fun for both the audience and the reader. Children are marvelously perceptive. If you aren't really enjoying yourself, they'll know. Put more into it than simply speaking words from a page. Make it exciting. This sense of fun will make you want to delight your children and you might even get a kick out of it. The story will become so much more than words and pictures. It's this kind of reading fun that gives children a desire to recreate that world of fun themselves. They'll have a strong need to read books for themselves. Becoming involved physically in a story makes the children want to participate. They won't let you experience all the fun on your own. The best thing -- all this costs you is a little humility.

Keep in mind your audience. Let the kids choose the book or books for the reading session. This is where a wide selection is important. Allowing them to choose helps them to develop an individual taste. They become more discerning and learn a real sense of what they like and dislike. This can only be beneficial for them. They feel respected when their opinion is given room and valued. Permit complete freedom in choice of reading material. They are less likely to be difficult over other matters. Kids usually have strong reasons for what books they choose. My daughter loved the book about the new baby when my son was a newborn. My son loved the books about school kids when his sister went to school, leaving him at home all day alone. Their choice will give you valuable insight to their inner thoughts and help you understand what is important to them.

The easiest way to read to make reading aloud fun, apart from putting some expression into it, is by using different voices for each character. This doesn't have to be difficult. Try out high pitched voices for small characters and deep voices for big characters. Sound noises aloud. If something or someone fell into the water with a splash, read the sound as spl--assshhh. Make animal noises and car sounds. Use props to liven up the story. Simple hats, scarves and even toys help children identify characters and what they do. Act out movements. A giant in the story is more fun when you stomp your feet on the floor each time he walks onto a page. If something is far off in the story, raise your hand to your face, shielding an imaginary sun, as you peer into the distance. Encourage your kids to join in with you. They might like to wear a hat or act out a favorite part. They'll have many favorites when you start to read aloud in this way.

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