10 Read-Aloud Ideas to Try Today

I've seen many lists of read-aloud tips for parents and teachers. These are the habits I have developed through hours and hours (and hours) of practice. Every child is different, and there is no right or wrong when it comes to sharing good books.


1. Pause for a count of two after each sentence. Force yourself to slow down by pausing at the end of each sentence. The pause gives children a moment to absorb what you've just read and helps you start the next sentence at a good pace.


2. Read the speech verbs in the same tone of voice as the dialog. "'What are you doing?' she shouted!"


3. Make faces as you read even if your child isn't looking. When you are smiling, it comes through in your voice. Some points in a story call for frowns or expressions of surprise or confusion. Simply making a face will help you convey that emotion in your voice.


4. Use the book (and your body) to physically demonstrate action. If someone is jumping in a book, toss the book itself. Taking a bow? Tilt down the book in a dramatic bow. A sudden surprise? Drop the book entirely.


5. Occasionally leave off the last word of a rhyming sentence and have your child guess what it should be. This is a great pre-reading skill for young children, as well as an opportunity to be creative (praise the "wrong" answer if your child manages to make a good rhyme)


6. Read adjectives, particularly those important for a scene, in a voice that could be described by the adjective. Slow. Joyous. Silly. Loud. Shaky. (You just read those to yourself in a silly voice, didn't you?)


7. Introduce a new and unfamiliar book by pretending you are reluctant to read it. "I'm not sure if I should read this story. It's pretty silly."


8. Break into song (or laughter) every once in awhile. Rhyme lends itself to being sung. Make up a tune for a couple of lines (don't be surprised if you are expected to use the same melody for all subsequent readings). Or bust up laughing at something. Laughter is as contagious as a yawning.


9. Create suspense and anticipation by stopping dramatically at certain points in the story. "And then they slowly opened the heavy, creaky door....." (stop and clean your glasses or take a long drink).


10. Wonder out loud about what is going to happen. "How is she going to get out of this mess? Do you think the alligator is going to lend her a broom?"