Why+Read+Aloud?

=Why Read Aloud?=

Let's ask Jim Trelease, a highly regarded expert in the field of reading and reading aloud to children. He states that reading is an "accrued" skill like riding a bicycle - the more you do it, the better you get at it.

In his website and book, he cites extensive research completed by a panel of reading experts on the Commission of Reading who then went on to publish the report "Becoming a Nation of Readers" which stated that:

"the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children."
and that

"it (reading aloud) is a practice that should continue throughout the grades."
Trelease also states that reading aloud is powerful because it:
 * Conditions the child's brain to associate reading with pleasure
 * Creates background knowledge for children, especially those who do not have as many personal experiences
 * Builds vocabulary, especially unusual words that are often only encountered in books instead of oral conversation
 * Provides children with a reading role model, particularly for those who do not have a positive model in the home


 * Text information is taken from Jim Treleases' website ([]). His website includes extensive excerpts from his book __The Read-Aloud Handbook__ (372.45 TRE**), as well as information that could be shared with parents, lists of suggested read aloud, and case studies.

Other Resources on the Benefits of Reading Aloud
[] Judy Freedman, author of the series __Books Kids Will Sit Still For__ (011.62 FRE**), maintains this website. It includes information on her books and workshops that she offers related to reading aloud.**


 * [] Esme Raji Codell's website. Codell is a self-proclaimed "readiologist" who wrote __How to Get Your Child to Love Reading__ (028.5 COD**) as well as many books for children.


 * Call numbers refer to the location of these books at the Bloomington Public Library.