Reading to people

Reading to people

Introduction
	“The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud” (Anderson 1985).
	The purpose of reading to and with people is
	to model reading to show them that reading is communication, just like talking, and to help them see that reading is enjoyable.

Things to do
	Here are some things to do when you read to people:
	Always carry something to read so you can take advantage of any opportunity to read to people. Encourage anyone who already knows how to read, to read to their friends and family. Model exactly what you expect them to do. They will follow your example before they follow what you say. Supply them with books to use. Have people "read" along with you as you read aloud. Position the book so others can see the page and follow what you are doing. Track the words as you read. Practice so you can read fluently. Read to people using the print that is around you such as signs and labels. Repeat stories several times during a reading session. Reread favorite texts often. Talk about the stories and the reading process, so people looking on can understand what you are doing.

See also
	Using lap reading

Source
	Anderson and others 1985

Context for this page:

Task module: Reading to people
In task module: Modeling reading and writing
In task module: Exposing people to reading and writing, by Delle P. Matthews, Anne Klaassens (contributor), Leah B. Walter (contributor), Ken Boothe (contributor), and Trudy K. Stewart (general editor)
In task module: Preparing for a literacy program
In modular book: Prepare for a literacy program, by Stephen L. Walter, Mary Morgan, and Leah B. Walter
In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 22 October 1999

© 1999 SIL International