The Preschooler

Do You Hear an Echo?

Have you ever listened to a beginning reader reading a book with which they are not very familiar?  It is often choppy and monotone as the child struggles to sound out each word.  Although it is obviously important that children learn how to use phonetics and context to read a selection, it is also vital that they learn how to read fluently and with expression.  Part of this can be taught through explanations of how to interpret punctuation.  However, this skill can also be learned through observation and repetition.  Simply put, your child can learn how read with fluency and expression by listening to you read with these qualities and then echoing your example.

Begin by finding a book that is filled with various feelings and emotions.  Read through a page or two without any expression, and ask your child how the story sounds so far.  Add to her reply that it seems kind of boring and that you would like to liven it up.  Start over and read dramatically.  Have your child echo each line as you read it so that she gets practice using these expressions.  You can also point out the feelings that are visible in pictures of the characters.  By repeating the way in which the words are read, your child will be gaining experience in how to read more than just the words on a page.  They will learn how to bring those words to life.

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Written by BRWI Staff on June 5, 2009