Tips for Reading Aloud to Groups of Young Children

Reading to groups of children may seem scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy. The trick is to get the children interested and absorbed in the story that you are reading. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Preview books ahead of time. It is important that you know the book, before you read it to children. If you are not comfortable with a book, don't use it. Choose books with large pictures and lively language (fewer rather than more words per page works better for most groups of young children).
   
   
2. Keep in mind the attention spans of young children. Pick books that are appropriate in length and subject for the age group you are working with. A good time frame to use until you know your particular group is:
   • Toddlers: 5 - 10 minutes
   • Preschoolers: 10 - 15 minutes
   • Primary School: 15 - 20 minutes
   
   
   
3. Allow your listeners time to get comfortable and settle down. It may be helpful to arrange children around you in a semi-circle. You can use carpet squares to keep children in their own spaces. Hold the book open so the pictures are facing the children.
   
   
4. Important: Be certain that everyone can see the pictures. This can be done by sitting slightly above the children. Otherwise children will be squirming around, complaining that they can't see, and you will be dealing with a lot of conflict resolution, instead of reading books.
   
   
5. Before you read the book to the children, you may want to do a "picture walk" to introduce the book. During this time, you can ask the children what they think the book is about, look at pictures in the book, and ask for predictions. This preview will help you read the story, after, without too many interruptions.
   
   
6. When actually reading to children:
   • Read slowly.
   • Speak loud enough. Ask if everyone can hear you.
   • Remember to look at the audience now and then.
   • Use plenty of expression when reading.
   • Give characters different voices and change your tone to fit the story.
   • Remember to have fun!
   
   
   
7. You may want to add a "third dimension" to the reading when possible. This can be a puppet, or some object that relates to the story.
   
   
8. Be sure to allow time for discussion after the story is read. The children will have much to talk about.

We are always available for any questions, concerns, comments, suggestions, and feedback that you may have about the Born to Read program.

Born to Read
Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102

Phone: (207) 773-5051
Fax: (207) 773-2416

• Denise Pendleton
  Program Director
  dpendle@mainehumanities.org
  

• Brita Zitin
  Program Assistant
  brita@mainehumanities.org