Read Aloud

Area schools and literacy programs seek volunteers to help children and adults improve reading skills and assist in related projects. Among them: Dr. Rayner Browne Elementary School, 1000 N. Montford St., Baltimore, seeking volunteers to monitor and assist pupils during independent workbook activities, read aloud, listen to children read and assist teachers with reading checkout and mastery tests. Contact: Charlotte M. Williams, 410-396-9239. If your school or organization is seeking volunteer reading tutors and would like to be included in this listing, call Sundial, 410- 783-1800 and enter code 6130.

Children have a great time when they read rhymes Poetry is the liveliest use of language, and nobody knows more instinctively how to take delight in it than children, who have one week within National Poetry Month designated Young People's Poetry Week. From April 10 to 16, this annual event, sponsored by the Children's Book Council, highlights poetry for children and young adults. With choices like Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss, parents quickly learn how much children love rhymes, word games and the magic of verse.

Reading aloud is the magic key that opens up the world of books for your child. One of the most widely recognized experts in the read-aloud movement is Jim Trelease, author of "The New Read-Aloud Handbook." Along with many other educators in the field of reading, Trelease recognizes that successful readers are those who have early and ongoing experiences with literature at home. Here are some of the ways to share reading with your child based upon current research: * Begin reading to your child as early as possible.

"Of all the qualities a teacher might possess, the most contagious is enthusiasm. Are you enthusiastic about books? Do your students ever see you with something other than a textbook in your hand? Have you shared with your class a book you stayed awake reading until 2 o'clock in the morning? Have your read a magazine article or newspaper column to your students about something that really interested you? "If you want your science or history class to be alive, wrap the facts and figures, the dates and battles, in flesh-and-blood novels.

QuestionResponsesIn November, we asked readers to talk about teaching children to read. What techniques have worked well with children? What methods didn't succeed?What mystery of early reading?As the mother of three children who were all reading as first-grade students, I am amazed at the "mystery" surrounding how to teach children to read. Perhaps if we return to the tried and true method of phonics, the mystery will be solved.As far back 1962, when I was one of 60 students in my first grade classroom, phonics was used -- and I would venture that 99 percent of the students were reading three months into the school year.

Today's story selection is so enjoyable to read aloud because of the author's use of alliterative language. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds, especially consonant sounds, in words close together, particularly using letters at the beginning of words. Alliterative stories and word books introduce and reinforce initial phonemes of words. Try these read-aloud tips on stories with alliteration: Exaggerate the initial sounds. Have your child repeat the alliterative words with you. Start your child off by composing a sentence using her own name.

In the past several decades, the pendulum in education has swung from one reading approach to another, but the war between phonics and whole language is no longer waged with as much vigor as it once was. Researchers and educators are searching for a balance between the methods of the past and the present evidence about how children learn. Margaret Mooney, author of the book "Developing Lifelong Readers," writes, "The best approach to teaching reading is a combination of approaches. No single approach is sufficient for any child, nor is any predetermined combination of approaches."

Being considered your child's first teacher of reading may sometimes seem overwhelming to parents and caregivers. But remember, you have many advantages. Your young child naturally loves and trusts you, and (sometimes!) is an attentive audience that you can work with one-on-one. Trust your instincts, be patient, and provide plenty of encouragement, and you can make learning to read adventurous and fun!Most importantly -- read, read, read books to your child. Many parents choose to read before bedtime, but any time of day is a good time for reading.

The don'ts of reading aloud are as important as the do's. Here are some things to avoid when reading with your child.* Don't start reading if there's not enough time to do it justice. Having to stop after one or two pages only serves to frustrate, rather than stimulate, your child's interest in reading.* Don't be unnerved by questions during reading time, particularly from very young children. Answer their questions patiently. Don't put them off. Don't rush your answers. There is no time limit for reading a book, but there is a time limit on a child's inquisitiveness.