Reading Aloud

You don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy books or reading programs to start your child on the path of reading. Here are some suggestions for exploring reading:* Keep books, magazines and newspapers in your home to give your child constant exposure to reading possibilities.* Tape label names on objects in your home, such as "bed," "doll," "table" or "chair." These can help your child begin to recognize letters and words.* Help your child see how people use reading and writing through daily events, such as reading a recipe while preparing a meal, reading aloud cards and letters, and writing lists or checks.

Putting aside the obvious and very traditional, what literary work do you urge to be read aloud on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Why? Clarinda Harriss is chair of the Towson University English Department. She has published three collections of poetry and contributed to scholarly works on poetry. Her work appears in many magazines. She edits and directs BrickHouse Books Inc., Maryland's oldest continuously publishing small press. "The Cherry Tree Carol" -- an anonymous song, medieval, alive and well in Appalachia and audible on any number of bluegrass or roots recordings.

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.

Reading together with your child can be a wonderful time for both of you. But - there's always at least one "but" - moms and dads do have tendencies in reading time that can make the experience less valuable for their children. So here's a little advice from Paul Kropp, author of "Raising a Reader."* Mom: Resist the temptation to teach. Many mothers feel that family reading time also should make up for any defects in the school reading program, so your poor child is asked to sound out word after word when he just wants to get on with the story.

There is no substitute for a child's first experiences with that concrete object called a book - smelling the aroma of the pages, rubbing fingers along the binding, feeling the smoothness of glossy paper. Nor is there a substitute for the positive feelings transmitted to a child by a reader who cares and who invests books with personal value.When you read to your child, you give these very real and concrete gifts that encourage reading:* Warm feelings aroused by the closeness between you, the reader, and your child, the listener.

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.

Is your youngster going to school in September? Here are ways you can help your child get ready to read:* Teach your child to become familiar with the letters in her own name.* Capitalize on any other word your child recognizes, such as a cereal name or a soft drink brand, and teach the letters used in the label.* Teach the ABC Song while pointing to the letters in a book or on a chart.* Use the alphabet books available.* Note likenesses in the sounds of words; for example:- Tell your child a word.

Bedtime is not the only time to read with a child. Have books handy at home, and pack some with you when you leave. Books can be helpful in the following situations:* Preparing for new experiences* Relieving stress* Reducing fears* Offering reassurance* Getting silly* During an illness* During time-outs* On the bus* In the car: Yes, stories on tape are a great way to share tales. A road trip also can be a time for passengers to read aloud to drivers.- From "Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children" by Valerie V. Lewis and Walter M. MayesPub Date: 9/20/98

As folks all over Washington rush to curry favor from the new administration, here are a few titles that should fit the politically savvy profile. These are books aging baby boomers can buy for their kids -- or grandkids, as the case may be.* If the Grateful Dead can play a pre-inauguration gig on the Mall, why shouldn't Ken Kesey get a starred review in the sometimes stuffy School Library Journal?The author of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" made a splash with his first children's book, "Little Tricker the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear," illustrated by Barry Moser and now out in paperback (Puffin, $4.99, all ages)

There are plenty of ``Do's'' when it comes to reading aloud to your child. Here are some ``Don'ts.''* Don't start a reading if you won't have enough time to do it justice. Having to stop after one or two pages only serves to frustrate, rather than stimulate, the child'sinterest in reading.* Don't be unnerved by questions during the reading, 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.