I love to read chapter books aloud to my two boys. Even though my six year old is getting to the point where he can read on his own I still love snuggling up with a good book with my boys on either side of me. It is great bonding time and fun to have an excuse to reread your favorite childhood books or discover a new adventure together.
Here are a few things that I’ve learned while reading books aloud to my boys.
1. Don’t underestimate your child’s reading comprehension! There have been times when I’ve been reading and I think to myself that there is NO way my kids are catching on to this story, but they do! Jungle Book was one of those books. My husband read it aloud to them and the first time I heard him reading I was sure my boys would never ask to hear more, but they did, and they loved the book.
2. Books that have a drawing every few pages are nice to keep them engaged (especially for my 4-year old), but it isn’t necessary. Sometimes it’s fun to see their imaginations working without looking at pictures.
3. This part is fun. Or embarrassing. Or will get you out of your comfort zone. Or is a great way to practice being a stage actor. However you look at it, don’t forget to use dramatic voices and use your hands. Give each character their own voice. Nothing will make your child lose interest in the story quicker than a monotone voice. The story doesn’t have to be read in a boring way, make it fun and even a little silly.
4. If there is a book that is terrifying your child or you feel the material may be too much for them, put it away and try again when they are older. Don’t scar your child with a book, we want reading to be fun! My six year old was a little nervous by BFG, but insisted he was okay. If I knew he was seriously terrified we would have put it away for when he was ready. You want the books to spark their imagination and to help them form a love of reading, not to create nightmares.
Here is a list of some of our favorites that we have already read and some more that we can’t wait to read:
3. Charlotte’s Web
by E.B. White
by E.B. White
28. The Family Under the Bridge
by Natalie Savage Carlson
by Natalie Savage Carlson
36. The Doll People
by Ann M. Martin
by Ann M. Martin
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