Children love using their imaginations.If you involve children in a group reading, you can satisfy their need to be imaginative and social.Get involved with a structured reading group and watch their creativity grow.
Step 1: An interesting book is what you should bring.
Kids don't have long attention spans, so try to choose a book that will be interesting to them and to you.Children are aware that an adult is not interested in what they are doing.If you are unsure how to pick something fun, try a pop-up book.Pick a few books, two or three should suffice, and have the children vote on which one they want to read if you find that the kids are not paying attention.You can work the runner-up story into the next storytime if you please everyone.The children's age is taken into account.Different ages might like different types of books.Don't get a book that is too long.1 can be read in about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Pick an appropriate topic.
The book you choose should be appropriate for the age group.If you have to read to older children, books like Everybody Poops may not be the best choice.Try something similar to the classic Incognito Mosquito.
Step 3: Don't forget to read ahead.
Don't forget to read the book yourself a few times.You can think about possible questions the kids might have, think of fun ways to read through the book, and find a natural rhythm or cadence that fits the pace and tone.When you're done reading, ask the kids some questions.Children should be asked why they think something happened the way it did.
Step 4: The story needs to be changed.
Pick a story for each reading.The kids are likely to get bored if you read the same story again and again.A variety of stories will expose children to a wide range of vocabulary, plots, and diversity, specifically in the types of language.Your little ones will have an ongoing experience with different forms of language.
Step 5: Talk loud for everyone to hear.
You will lose part of the audience if they can't hear you.They will not be able to pay attention if they don't know what's going on.There is a difference between yelling a story at the kids and talking for all to hear.It is a good idea to test the room's acoustics prior to the event.If you want to do this, you can either read to another adult or put the voice recorder in the middle of the room.
Step 6: Stick to the rules that have been set.
Kids need structure to learn.Before you start reading the story, be sure to reinforce a few simple rules such as don't interrupt, and raise your hand if you have a question.If you are interrupted, try to say something like "I see your hand, please wait your turn" or " I'll call on you when it's time for questions"They can model good listening behavior or watch students to see if they pay attention.Move on to the next activity if the children seem bored by the book.Next time, get a book with more pictures or a more exciting story.
Step 7: Act out different voices.
There is always room for fun in a book.You can use a vocal expression to read each character's lines in the book.You can change the pitch of your voice, speed it up or slow it down, or add a voice effect like talking in a whisper.Making faces helps too, and can be quite natural.It's possible to say something like "scared" in a scary voice or "happy" with a cheerful tone.It is your job to make the old man in the book sound worse.
Step 8: The reading area should be fixed.
You don't have to read to the kids in an emotionally sterile environment; make the reading area fun and interesting to be in.Throw in some bean bag chairs and you can add some comfort.If the story is close to nap time, the kids should bring their favorite blanket.You could kill two birds with one stone.
Step 9: Don't read quickly.
The children and the parents may not be able to keep up if you read too quickly and blow through the story.The rate of speech should be practiced in advance.Making yourself aware of your voice will help you stay on track.As you turn each page, it may be a good idea to take a brief pause.It will add an equal amount of spacing at regular intervals.
Step 10: Show the pictures.
You can show the kids all the pictures in the book.The pictures help kids understand the book and keep everyone's attention.You need to make sure that you are catching each member of your audience as you show each picture.To show the book to the left and right side of the room, you need to sit comfortably.You can show the children the pictures at the same time if you hold the book in a way where you can read it.After you have read the text on the page, make sure to show the picture.
Step 11: Ask questions.
Asking the children what they would do at certain parts of the story is one way to engage the group.While reading The Three Little Pigs, you might ask the kids "Who would open the door for the wolf?" or "What would you build the house out of?"You should ask a few questions at the beginning and end of the story.You will lose continuity if you ask too many questions.
Step 12: Use props.
You can add a prop to the story for the kids to use.Give the kids egg shakers to shake when there is a specific event like thunder or when a character skips.It will make the story more enjoyable for everyone.There are stuffed animals that look like the characters.The kids would act out some scenes with a stuffed animal.Extending the imaginations of the children is a great way to do that.
Step 13: After the story is over, follow it up.
Ask the kids what their favorite parts were.Take it to the next step and ask them what will happen next.It's perfect to spark creativity and keep them reading.Asking the children to follow questions can be useful.Asking a question like "Who remembers what the hungry caterpillar ate?" or "What happened to Humpty Dumpty?" will give you a good idea of who was paying attention, as well as checking their comprehension skills.