How To Begin Read Alouds With Your Young Learner

As a closet librarian, I want all of my children to devour the written word through the pages of a good book. Although I understand that part of that passion has to come naturally...a child has to develop a personal desire to read...I also believe that a reading passion can be ignited and cultivated by simply enjoying great read-alouds together. (I realize that by definition a READ ALOUD is any book that is read out loud, including picture books. But for the purpose of this discussion, I will be referring to chapter books.)

While this sounds like an easy undertaking, introducing a chapter-style read-aloud to a young child can sometimes feel like a daunting task. For some children, moving from picture books to chapter books is a natural evolution. But for others, sitting for an extended period of time to listen to a book with no pictures can seem next to impossible.

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While there is no perfect formula for "HOW" and "WHEN", here's a few simple tricks that have worked for me.

Remember that every child's attention span is different

While my daughter enjoyed her first read aloud at 2 1/2, my sons have each been a bit older. Some children might be ready at two while others may not show interest until five or beyond.

Transition with Early Reader-style chapter books

While the storylines are not always very riveting, early reader-style chapter books can be a simple way to help your child develop a sense of "continuation"...a realization that the story does not end but will continue on tomorrow, that the plot has several pieces, and that each little "story" is connected to the next. While you do not need to limit your daily reading to just one chapter, I'd recommend NOT completing the book in one sitting. You are trying to establish the habit of longevity.

Here are a few that I have read and adored with my preschoolers over the years. (These are all books of a series. So, if your child enjoys one of them, you can read many more together.)

Henry and Mudge
Frog and Toad
Mr. Putter and Tabby
Little Bear

Watch the movie first

Huh?! Why would you ever watch the movie first? It's true, in all other circumstances, I would not recommend watching the movie first. The movie is almost always a pitiful version of the original. But, by introducing the characters and basic plot settings of a long narrative in movie form, you are providing a "cheat sheet" for your little learner. He/she will be less likely to get lost in the details of a more complicated story with a simple frame of reference to fall back on. He/she will know the basic storyline and will have to do less mental work to follow along and thereby enjoy the story more. Be sure to choose a movie that is a close replica of the book. Many original classics that have been recreated by modern-day movies are often barely recognizable. A bad rendition of a great book will only confuse a child. I'd recommend beginning with the 1973 animation of Charlotte's Web. The movie is, at times, a word-perfect match to the book. And the book is...well, T--double E--double R--double I...you get the idea!

Provide Hand-Work to keep little hands busy

Sometimes a child is mentally mature enough to follow along during a lengthy story but is not physically mature enough. By encouraging your child to complete a few simple hand-work crafts during read-aloud time, you are providing a productive and less-disruptive outlet for their pent-up energy.

Begin with a simple but captivating story

At the risk of sounding cliche', you only have ONE chance to make a good impression. Story selection can make or break read aloud time...especially the first-ever read aloud time. That being said, finding a story that is both simple and captivating can be tricky. Here are a few that I'd recommend.
My Father's Dragon (the first in a series of three)
The Boxcar Children (Book 1)
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
Ribsy (The chapters tend to be long, but the story is very exciting.)

For more information on read-alouds or for other great titles, be sure to check out...

Top 10 No-Twaddle Book List for Every Age

1000 Good Books

Great Read Alouds for Lower to Mid Elementary
20 Must Read Chapter Books for Young Boys
20 Must Read Chapter Books for Young Girls

30 Character Building Books for Young Boys
50 MUST READ Books for Middle School

40+ MUST READ Books for Christian Teen Girls

40+ MUST READ Books for Christian Teen Boys
Books Every Preschooler Should Enjoy

Have any great titles for young learners worth sharing?  

Please leave a comment with any FIRST chapter books your family has enjoyed. Let's help each other!