Tips for Reading Aloud
BY:  Sherri Chema, Reading Teacher

Mem Fox's recent book entitled, Reading Magic - Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever? offers several tips for parents. Mem Fox says that readers need to make the book come alive for the listener. To use her words, "Use the ups and downs of your voice, your pauses and points of emphasis to create a music which the listener loves to hear." Mem Fox suggests the following very specific actions as ways to be expressive with both your voice and facial expressions:

* Use facial animation

* Narrow and widen your eyes

* Use the eyes to "think" with

* Use the eyes to be "shocked" with

* Use the eyes to be "scared" with

* Use the eyes to "listen" with

* Use the eyes to be "happy" with

Mem Fox warns us to avoid reading aloud in a cutesy, sugary, patronizing voice. She tells us not talk down to our listeners. Ms. Fox challenges the reader to use a variety of vocal techniques in order to engage our listeners. Let the author's word choice guide our usage of the following vocal contrasts:

* Use vocal variations

* Use loud and soft

* Use fast and slow

* Use high and low

* Use p-a-u-s-e

Try some of the above tips when Reading Aloud to your child. These suggestions will make books come alive for you and your child. Each time that you Read Aloud a book to your child, you will be enhancing his/her desire to pick up a book and read.