#153 Reading Aloud With Children

     Welcome to our newest audiences from Taiwan and Honduras.  On the stats page of my two blogs, you represent the 52nd and 53rd countries in which readers join with us in a shared interest in children's literacy.  Helping others learn to read is certainly a worthy universal passion, isn't it?

     I have promised to discuss the importance of reading aloud to and with children in this post. Of course, current research continues support it, but where did it begin?  

     Obviously, it has been around for a very long time, but about thirty years ago, in 1982, Jim Trelease  published The Read Aloud Handbook, and the world began to finally take note of the power in this practice.  The 7th edition of his book is scheduled for release on June 25, 2013.

    More about Trelease's philosophy, book lists, and reviews may be found on the following site: www.trelease-on-reading.com.

     During my own teaching career, "Read  Across America" began to be observed each year on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2. Everyone from parents to pro-athletes came to school and read to our students. Reading was valued and celebrated by everyone under the motto:

        "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

          To pick up a book and read to a child."

     Book lists with related activities may be found at many web sites.  Just enter "Read Across America" (without quotes) on your favorite search engine or click here on: http://www.seussville.com/Educators/educatorReadAcrossAmerica.php

     ...And in case you need further convincing that the  read aloud movement is alive and well, consider what has happened in Poland.  On June 1, 2001, a national campaign called "All of Poland Reads to Kids" took root and began to grow.  With the firm belief that "reading aloud to children is the best possible way of investing in their future", the foundation celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2011 by launching "All of Europe Reads to Kids".

     You can read more about what has happened there on the following site: http://www.allofpolandreadstokids.org/all-of-poland-reads-to-kids.

     There are undoubtedly many other examples I could have, should have, used. (Seussian influence, I think.) 

     Reading aloud with and to children is so easy, so enjoyable, and so very important.  

     Until next time, please enjoy your reading aloud... with expression...and with our kids.