Get Started with Read Aloud TODAY!
Read this page and then allocate 10-minutes of your time.
(And remember, you don't need to be an expert to get started.)
You and your child can experience the many benefits of Read Aloud with only 10-minutes of daily Read Aloud time.
I strongly recommend that you make the decision to invest in your child's future and get started with Read Aloud TODAY!
All you need is a book, a plan, and just 10-minutes of your time every day.
Of course, you'll want to learn more about Read Aloud as you move forward.
But, You don't need to be an expert to get started. And, we're here to help you whenever you need it.
"A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step."
- Ancient Chinese Proverb
Plan it. Do it. Repeat it tomorrow!
FIRST: Pick a Time. This may seem obvious or trivial. However, it's more important than you think. Good intentions aren't enough. Good intentions fall victim to the pressures of the day. Therefore, it's very important to commit to a specific time for Read Aloud and then make every effort to honor that commitment.
Consider your full range of potential Read Aloud times. Think creatively if necessary. Read Aloud times should fit your family's schedule. Different days may require different Read Aloud times. Other family members should be made aware of your Read Aloud time commitments. And last but not least, whatever you commit to, write it down.
Plan it. Do it. Repeat it tomorrow!
SECOND: Pick a Place. This goes hand-in-hand with picking a time. Plan ahead. It's important. If possible, use the coziest spot in the house.
Identify a quiet place that is away from distractions to get the maximum benefit from your Read Aloud time. You should NOT have Read Aloud in front of the television or in any area with a high level of distraction.
You probably have many excellent places available for your Read Aloud times. Of course, some places will work better than others based on your particular situation. However, the key is to allow yourself to think creatively.
These are just a few of the places to consider for your Read Aloud times. Sit on the sofa, sit on the floor, or sit on a bed. Go out onto the porch or patio. Go out into the yard or go to a nearby park. Sit on the grass or under a tree. Sit in the car. Go to the library. And the list goes on. Simply consider your options and then decide.
Plan it. Do it. Repeat it tomorrow!
THIRD: Pick a Book. If you already have a small collection of age-appropriate children's books you're all set. Within reasonable limits, almost any book can get you started. Then, as you move forward, you'll quickly learn what types of books and stories super-charge your child's Read Aloud interests.
If you do not yet have a starter collection of books for Read Aloud, you have many options available to you.
If the cost of buying books is a challenge for you in these tough economic times, don't worry. There are many ways to get started at little or no cost.
Here's a list of various sources for books to help you get started with your Read Aloud activities:
- New and used books are available 24/7 from a variety of online retailers. I'm a big fan of Amazon.com, but you have many choices.
Suggestion: Using the Amazon.com Search Box on the right side of this web page, select Books from the drop-down menu (currently showing "All Products") and also enter childrens books as your keywords. After you've made these entries, hit "GO!"
You should find a series of age groups to select from near the top of your search results page. Select either "Baby-Age 3," "Early Readers (Ages 4-8)," "Middle Readers (Ages 9-12)," or "(Teens)" and click on the desired age group.
Next, as you review the listings, click on any book to get more detailed information. Confirm the book's targeted age group (usually found on the book's front or back cover). Look at the sample pages inside the book. Evaluate the book's content. Look at the customer rating (up to 5 stars) and read the customer reviews. Carefully identify a few possibilities. And finally, make your selection.
- Visit the children's book department in your favorite local bookstore. I recommend that you always talk to a knowledgeable sales associate for age appropriate book ideas and information.
- Check-out books from your local library. Then, whenever you find a book that your child really loves and wants to read over and over, you can order/buy a copy and add it to your child's library.
- Borrow books from a friend or neighbor.
- Visit a "used book" bookstore.
- Go to a weekend "flea market."
- Go to weekend yard sales, garage sales, or tag sales (same things, different names). People are selling their old household belongings at near giveaway prices. Very often, you'll find children's books in very good condition for a dollar or less.
- Call or visit your local library, town hall, and elementary schools and ask about any low cost and free book resources currently available in your area.
- Investigate the availability of "Reading is Fundamental" (RIF) in your area. RIF is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, corporations, foundations, and others and is focused on fostering children's literacy - including the distribution of free books to keep.
- A variety of free books are available on the Internet. You can begin by searching on Google or Yahoo for free children's books and expand your search from there. Please be aware that some websites offer books that are free to read online, but downloads must be purchased. Also, some Internet download books do not include pictures or graphics. While you're at it, check out the free downloadable literature available from
Project Gutenberg and the
Rosetta Project.
- If you don't have any Read Aloud story books available, you can always use The Bible or other religious text as your Read Aloud starting point.
Plan it. Do it. Repeat it tomorrow!
And last but not least,
continue to learn more about Read Aloud best practices as you move forward.
Remember, Read Aloud success is based on a persistent and consistent effort. Simply focus on spending 10-minutes a day of quality Read Aloud time with your child.
Just focus on achieving your Read Aloud goal for TODAY! Then do the same thing tomorrow. If you'll just focus on TODAY, every day, then your long-term Read Aloud goals will fall into place. After all, that's what is really important to you and that's what is important for your child.
Why not get started TODAY?
We hope you'll choose to become a member of our Read Aloud Magic community. We'd like to make a difference in your child's life, too.
To Your Read Aloud Success,
Susan Frankenberg
Read Aloud Coach and
Author of
Read Aloud Magic
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