Reading With Expression!

You don't have to be a trained actor to read with your child.  All it takes is some practice and an awareness of the qualities that make for an interesting, engaging reading of a story!

Here is the wonderful Mem Fox reading her story, Good Night, Sleep Tight.


Ways to Read with Expression

• Make sounds, whether they are animals or vehicles. Young kids connect sounds with objects as part of their language development. Taking that connection to the pages of a book helps with literacy development as well.
• Give characters different voices. These voices don't need to be perfect and can even change each time. Making your voice sound different will keep your little one's attention while you read. 
• Vary your speed and volume as you read. Getting louder at an exciting part helps little ones follow the story better. Also slowing down when reading new words or introducing new concepts helps them process better because they have more time to absorb the information and make sense of it before the story has moved on.
• Use gestures as you read. You can use your arm to emphasize that something is big or use your fingers to show something is tiny. These gestures will grab your little one's attention and give them something they can imitate, helping them connect with the story. 
• Take time to talk about the pictures or actions of the story. Identify phrases that repeat and invite your little one to say them with you.

Miss Amber recommends the following to practice reading with expression:

Listen to the Rain by Bill Martin Jr (Find in Bellevue Public Library catalog)

When Winter Comes by Nancy Van Laan (Find in Bellevue Public Library catalog)

Pretend by Jennifer Plecas (Find in Bellevue Public Library catalog)

What books have you enjoyed reading aloud with expression?