Mrs. McCaffrey's

Speech and Language Page

Read aloud! Read aloud!

Dr. Mary Bigler, a literacy expert, presented at our district's inservice on January 15th and reported that the most important thing parents can do to help their children is to read aloud to them everyday.  This next piece surprised me:  Parents need to read aloud to their children from birth until they are out of high school! 

Many of us are very busy.  It's okay to spend short amounts of time (two to five minutes) reading aloud.  When you have more time, you can spend longer periods together.  Choose different kinds of material: magazines, non-fiction, fiction, poetry. 

Why?  Children can understand more complicated material when parents read to them.  This is how they can develop new vocabulary and thinking skills.  They may be in a first grade classroom and unable to read a 3rd grade book by themselves.  However, they will be able to understand a 3rd grade book that you read to them.  In addition to helping their language and reading skills improve, it is enjoyable for all.  We want to teach our children that reading is fun!

Contact information: mccafma@lc-ps.org