Reading to Children Children who learn early in childhood that books are fun are more likely to remain readers throughout life.
Choosing Appropriate Books One-year-olds need short, simple books with large, uncomplicated pictures. They like picture books with objects they can name and books with rhymes. Two-year-olds prefer simple stories the can relate two. Like one-year-olds, they never tire of hearing their favorite stories again and again. By age three, children enjoy longer stories with more of a plot. They like realistic stories that help them use their imagination.
Becoming a Mature Storyteller Reading a story is like putting on a play. Create excitement and interest by varying the tone of your voice, giving each character a different voice, and using gestures and facial expressions. If you are reading to one or two children, snuggle up close and hold the book so they can see. If you are reading to a group, arrange the children in a semicircle facing you. Read loudly enough for everyone to hear. Take the time to learn the book beforehand so you can keep the pictures facing the children.
Encourage Participation Very young children can turn the pages (hand-eye coordination) Relate the action and pictures in the book to the child’s own life Ask questions as you read With familiar books, let the child play the part of one character With older children, point out the words for familiar objects. Practice recognizing letters and their sounds Encourage children to dramatize a story by themselves or with puppets. Have them draw pictures to go with a story.
Remember … Keep your focus on the child—not on the story. Reading together should be fun. If the child has stopped enjoying the story, put the book away.
By: Fred Gwynne The King Who Rained
Daddy says there was a king who rained for forty years.
Daddy says there are forks in the road.
Sometimes Mommy says she has a frog in her throat.
Mommy says all we get in the mail are big bills.
My big sister’s getting married and she says I can hold up her train.
Daddy says we should live in the present.
I’ve heard Mommy talk about the foot prince in the snow …
… and the blue prince for the new room on our house.
Daddy says some boars are coming for dinner.
Did you ever hear such a bunch of fairy tails?
The End.
This story contains phrases which some young children may misunderstand as well as homophones. Homophones are two words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings
What are some other examples? I took advice from my peer (I took advice from my friend the same age as me). I took a walk off the pier (I took a walk off the dock). I have butterflies in my stomach (My stomach feels funny because I am nervous). She has a green thumb (She is good at gardening).
Assignment Come up with 5 of your own sayings that a child might misunderstand. Create your own "King Who Reigned” story including colored illustrations. Use the time you have to come up with your 5 sayings.