Suggestions for Reading Aloud with Preschool Children

Before You Read

• Show front cover of the book.
• Read the title of the book.
• Look at the pictures on the front cover.
• Read the name of the author and the illustrator.
• Introduce the main character sand setting.
• Provide background information necessary to understanding the story concepts or vocabulary.
• Elicit past knowledge of child’s personal experiences related to the book’s central message.
• Have the child make predictions about the story.
• Set a purpose for listening.

Keep it quick and simple so you don’t take away from the pleasure of the story.

During the Reading

• Encourage the child to react to and comment on the story.
• Elaborate on the text to help the child understand the language and critical story components.
• Rephrase the text when it is apparent that the child does not understand the ideas.
• Ask the child to make predictions.
• Read with expression!

Be careful not to disrupt the flow of the story. It is often best to read the story through once with few interruptions to keep the meaning intact and then have a discussion during the second reading.

After Reading

• Have the child respond to the Story.
• Check the child’s understanding of the text.
• Review the story components (setting, characters, problem,solution).
• Retell the story or the child’s favorite part of the story.
• Help the child make connections between events in the story and their own lives; or make connections with another book read previously.

Keep the book in your book bag for the following time, as children often like to hear familiar stories over and over.