Read-Aloud Tips from Children’s Books Authors (Series)
The greatest part about reading aloud to your child is the bonding that comes along with it! You’ve read all about the benefits of reading aloud to children, you’ve downloaded our handy ’35 Little Ways to Read Aloud’ (hint: it’s in our FREE resource library), AND you know all about how to choose books based on theme. Go ‘head you!
Now you must be wondering… but HOW do I read-aloud? What are some read-aloud tips that will really make the experience great?
We’ve got you covered! In this series, you will hear from our favorite children’s books authors! If you are in our Facebook Community, you may have seen them during a live read-aloud or featured on our video podcast. How awesome that they carved out even more time to provide some reading tips for parents!!
Our first children’s books author in this series is Katie Reed!
Find out more about Katie and read her tips below:
Hello! My name is Katie Reed, author of the Wizard and the Lizard book series.
I have worked in afterschool programs for most of my career. I started in 2009 when I was a senior in high school and worked there throughout college. I eventually got a position as a program coordinator running my own site after I graduated from ASU. I worked in afterschool programs up through 2017. I eventually wanted a change of pace, then got a job working in a reading intervention program at a local public school from 2017-2019.
When I had my son, I decided to stay at home with him for a while, as well as pursue my dream of becoming a children’s book author! I came up with my Wizard and the Lizard book series at 3:00 in the morning while feeding my son. I started putting notes in my phone when I thought of the characters and the story, then started writing later that day! I now have 3 Wizard and the Lizard books out, and definitely plan to write more!
Read-Aloud Tips:
- Know your book and present it in the way you want kids to experience it. When you do a read-aloud, set the tone of your book, give your book the enthusiasm/ drama/ silliness/suspense (whatever it is) to your audience.
- If you can, engage your readers. Ask them questions before moving on. Let the kids feel like they are part of the read-aloud. They enjoy being a part of the read-aloud experience.
- HAVE FUN! When you are excited about your book, kids will be too! Read the book with energy and excitement! If you lack energy and enthusiasm, the kids will too.
About the Author
Katie Reed the author of the Wizard and the Lizard children’s book series. She currently has three Wizard and the Lizards books out. She has worked in afterschool programs for most of her career. She also worked in a reading intervention program at a local public school for a couple of years. When she had her son, she decided to stay at home with him for a while, as well as pursue her dream of becoming a children’s book author!
Katie recently won a 1st Place prize for both of her books in the 2020 Royal Dragonfly awards in the category of Picture Books 6 and Older!
Find Katie online: Website | Live Read Aloud | Podcast Episode
