Try This Tuesday: Reading Aloud

You may have tangible wealth untold:

Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be--

I had a mother who read to me.

Strickland Gillilan, "The Reading Mother"

The Read-Aloud Handbook

by Jim Trelease

Not long after I began homeschooling Clayton, I was directed to this book by some other homeschooling moms. I have always read to Clayton, and I've always known that this was an important part of any child's development. But after reading Mr. Trelease's book, I'm even more convinced. And while the book generally addresses the benefits of reading aloud to a typical developing child, I believe the special needs child could benefit even more from a strong diet of great books. Books have become especially important in our home since Clayton is often limited in certain play by his physical disabilities. There's no fine or gross motor skill needed to listen to Mom read a story!

In Gladys Hunt's book, Honey for a Child's Heart, the same idea is conveyed--reading to your child develops and improves their language skills and awakens their imaginations. "A good book is a gateway into a wider world of wonder, beauty, delight, and adventure."

I will admit that the idea of reading more than just a short story/picture book to Clayton seemed a little crazy to me at first. His attention span is that of a gnat, and that's being generous! But as Mr. Trelease reminds us, children have been listening since day one of their life. Their listening skills are their most developed language skill before they are actual readers. As parents, we can capitalize on this and develop this skill even more while broadening their horizons in many other ways as well!

And the results: Clayton loves it!!!! We read from short novels each night before bed, and it's quickly become an essential part of his bedtime routine. (Not to mention a special quiet time that's just between him and me). Now, the great thing about both Mr. Trelease's book and Ms. Hunt's book is the treasury of books they include in the back! They have both created a great resource for parents who are on the look out for read-alouds that fit their child's age and listening level. I started with the most basic short novels and these were some of Clayton's favorites: any of the Flat Stanley books, Chocolate Fever, and his favorites among favorites, the Magic Treehouse Books. He loves to hear about Jack and Annie! And thank goodness there seems to be a never ending supply of Jack and Annie books!

I encourage you to head to your local library or bookstore to pick up a copy of Mr. Trelease's and/or Ms. Hunt's book. Both are great guides for parents who are just beginning or continuing a reading aloud tradition with their children.