Read Aloud Tips

Not all books are best utilized as stand-up read-alouds; some are too unwieldy and need to lie flat; some are really lap books, best experienced one-on-one; some are so interactive that they need to be where the child can put his hands on them.

Most books will benefit from a caring adult's reading them aloud, but think twice before performing for a large group a book with fold-out pages, tabs, or intricate illustrations that need to be seen to make the story work.

Know your audience. Know your material. Know yourself and your strengths, and choose books that bring all of those into the best light.

-- Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children by Valerie V. Lewis and Walter M. Mayes

Pub Date: 03/24/99