Creating a Read-Aloud Environment for the School Year
It’s the beginning of a new school year and parents have been overwhelmed with virtual schooling. It is important, however, to remember that although teachers will take back the bulk of our child’s educational responsibilities– our job as parents is not done. We should contribute to our children’s growth by reading aloud to them! Creating a read-aloud environment for your child this school year can be accomplished in five simple steps:
1. Make time to read aloud
After the day is over, make time to read a favorite book or story with your child. Choose books that are appropriate for their age and interests.
2. Plan ahead
Make sure you have enough children’s books on hand so there is always something new to share when it is storytime! Make sure to pay attention to our facebook group where we also share wonderful titles to read to our children.
3. Pay attention to your child interests
Pay attention to your child’s interests and try reading books that are related. It might be a book about cars if they love driving around with their toys, or it could be a book on insects if they recently discovered on in the backyard!
4. Create a comfy space to read
The best read-aloud environment is a comfortable one. Make sure to snuggle up on the couch with your child or gather around in their bedroom and create that cozy reading space together!
5. Ask Questions
Make sure to ask your child questions during and after storytime: Ask questions about the story or ask open-ended questions to spark their curiosity!
We hope these five steps will help you as parents create this wonderful experience for your children year-round– not just during school time. There are many benefits to reading aloud to your children, including building their vocabulary and strengthening your bonds in the home!
