I recently had the opportunity to present to a group of educators, parents, and grandparents on utilizing books to increase language development. As part of this presentation I included a handout on active reading. These are strategies to make listeners active contributors to storybook readings. I hope this can help anyone reading with young children understand how to move past reading the words on the page TO a child and help to envelope the child in to the activity.
Scaffolding Active Reading
REVIEW TITLE, AUTHOR, ILLUSTRATOR
As you review the cover of the book make connections to previously read stories. The back cover of the book often provides children with opportunities to recall other stories by the author.
POINT OUT THE CHARACTERS
The first time you name a character within the story point them out on the page.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO GET IN TO CHARACTER
Change your voice, change your volume, vary your pitch.
STOP AND ASK QUESTIONS
For younger readers focus on “what”, and “who” questions and gradually move toward “how” and “why” questions. Open ended questions are great for older readers.
EMBED DEFINITIONS
As you approach a novel or unfamiliar word - read the word as written, provide a clear definition, read the sentence again with the word as written. Point out multiple meaning words.
PROVIDE TIME TO REVIEW PICTURES
After reading all the text allow time to review pictures. Focus on vocabulary that may be highlighted through the pictures. Allow discussion about the pictures. After extended time of reviewing illustrations re-read the last sentence on the page to cement the text.
SUMMARIZE AND REVIEW
Before moving on to the next activity summarize the story and review any key vocabulary and details. This is a good time to discuss the author’s purpose.