Let's Read Aloud

When I first began to read aloud to my eldest child, I needed a book that gives pointers on, and emphasises the importance of reading aloud. Luckily, I found two books – Jim Trealese’s The Read-Aloud Handbook and Mem Fox’s Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever. In the former, Jim Trealese explains why it is important for children to grow up as readers, and how we as parents can help to accomplish this. Every chapter of the book – even the introduction – is very edifying. I still remember one of the arguments on whether reading should be the responsibility of parents or teachers. Since children spend more time outside the school, it should be the parents’ responsibility. And we, as parents, can play a huge role not only by reading to our kids, but also making sure that they have access to books at home, and being a model to them by being readers ourselves. In Reading Magic, Mem Fox guides us on how to get the most value and joy out of a read-aloud session. With passion and humour, she explains when and where to read aloud, and demonstrates with examples that are easy to follow. She also discusses the secrets of reading and offers guidance on defining and choosing good books. As a parent, I want my children to love books, and I want them to become an avid reader. These two books help me discover the pleasures of reading aloud, and helped me start my children on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. I hope they would help you, too!