Reading Aloud in FP Up close and personal What, Why, How,

Reading Aloud in FP Up close and personal What, Why, How, KZN RASA AGM 21 February 2013 Irene Reid Head Librarian : Westville Girls’ High School Vice Chair : KZN Media Teachers Association Tel :

Ready to Read – Jack Hartman I feel it in my hands. Shake, shake, shake I feel it in my hips Swing and sway I feel it in my heart Bee bop beat I feel it in me, I’m ready to read! Chorus: I’m ready to read, in my mind I’m ready to read, reach up high I’m ready to read with my eyes I’m ready to read, left to right

I feel it in my knees Tap, tap, tap I feel it in my shoulders Pat, pat, pat I feel it in my heart Bee bop beat I feel it in me I’m ready to read Chorus: I’m ready to read, in my mind I’m ready to read, reach up high I’m ready to read with my eyes I’m ready to read, left to right Ready to read... Ready to read... Yeh!

Reading Aloud can be defined as: The ‘conscious choice’, with intent, to read with meaning, to an audience, in a safe, intimate and secure space, from a book, in an audible, clear, expressive voice...

“there is power & magic in the practise of reading aloud...” S. Layne In 1985 in the USA, the Report of the Commission on Reading identified reading aloud as: “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading...” “a practice that should continue throughout the grades...” Anderson et al 1985

“never under estimate the power of a great book in the hands of a teacher who knows how to use it..” Sharon M. Draper

the ‘read aloud experience’ must always be fantastic!

Albert Einstein said... “Imagination is more important than information... ”

Benefits of Reading Aloud increased reading comprehension improved listening skills broadening of vocabulary broaden interests broaden tastes seductive method to bring them to books (feel & think) experience a good book read well FUN

So...why doesn’t reading aloud continue...? - not valuable use of instruction time - lack of time/curriculum pressure - unaware of the value - lack of self belief/skill

The Benefits of Reading Aloud Vocabulary Acquisition and word meanings - Appropriate books - Variety of styles, genres, authors, themes, topics etc. - Target certain words - Repetitive Reading Reading Comprehension - pre reading questions - active discussion Role Modelling Reading Behaviour and Strategies - page turning, eye movements, Book handling - reading expression, fluency, intonation, rythmn, pronunciation, pace, how books work, writing styles the difference between written language & everyday talking. - knowledge of printed letters & words, & the relationship between sounds and print. Broader Content Exposure to - the world around them - themselves – feeling & thoughts - subject matter and reading levels Pleasure & enjoyment of reading Feel & think about reading

"So how do you do this read aloud thing?”

Fourteen Fantastic Hints on Reading Aloud by Mem Fox, Queen of Read Aloud Ensure your audience sits close to you and close to each other. Welcome everyone with roving eye-contact on the first couple of lines. Entice, with the first line.

Remember to make the phrases into beautiful, lilting, up & down music. Paint pictures by visualising the scenes and the emotions. Change vocally: high/low; loud/soft; fast/slow. Speak the verbs (action words) with animation for lively reading.

Fall in love with the pause. Don’t over-express: it’s embarrassing—just hang loose and have fun. Don’t be ruled by rhyme endings. Make the last line v-e-r-y slow indeed.

Say goodbye to everyone with roving eye-contact on the last lines. Never read anything aloud that you don’t like yourself. Enjoy yourself and throw yourself into it to stop yourself from being boring!

So what does it take?

A Repertoire books, poems, prose etc. Oh Can you Say what’s the weather today? – Dr. Seuss Ouma Ruby’sSecret – Chris Van Wyk Herbert & Harry – Pamela Allen Arthur – Amanda Graham Ellie & Elvis – V. French the Tail of the Whale – E. Patterson Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets – Q. Blake Michael Recycle – E. Bethel

The Tale of Sting Ray Charles – A. Howard Giraffes can’t Dance – G. Andreae Room on a Broom -Julia Donaldson Heron and the Crane – J. Yeoman The Giving Tree – Shel Silverstein

Why not take up the Reading Promise Challenge today? Plan your own class/home reading streak... What have you got to gain?

reading-aloud.htm What Does Research Say About the Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children? Kathleen Childress Question # 1 RE 5710 February 24, aloud-to-your-child.htm

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