Reading with Panache

Read With Panache

Sharing a book with your child? Ham it up!

By Jessica Tom

Laugh, cry, scream, whisper: reading doesn't have to be a silent activity. Transform the read-aloud experience by giving your child an impassioned one-person show that will stimulate his wonder for both the written and spoken word.

Once upon a time . . . : Authors spend a lot of time crafting their opening lines. Give the words the weight they deserve by reading them with extra importance. Who will we meet? What will happen? Grab your child's attention with an authoritative voice.

X said to Y, who immediately told Z: Read character names slowly and clearly so your child knows who is acting on whom. Books revolve around character, so spare confusion and make sure she knows who's who!

"Read to me!" the monster boomed: Animate characters with different voices. If you have time, preview books before you read them out loud with your child. Otherwise, you might stereotype and give a nasty princess a sweet voice, or a gentle giant a scary one.

Trust the layout: It's been well thought out. Take cues from the book's spacing. Line and page breaks are purposeful and give you an idea how the words ebb and flow.

Look for rhythm. Look for rhyme. Anticipate words every time:Tune into the author's sense of timing to accentuate the texture of the narrative. Many children's books will reveal a sort of melody that will delight your young listener.

Raise your voice! (And lower it too): Avoid toneless blah-blah-blah by altering your volume and tempo. Read loudly and quickly during frantic scenes, slowly and soothingly during tranquil ones.

The following article is provided courtesy of Scholastic Inc. You are welcome to copy and use this information in your own school publications. If you have any questions regarding this document, please contact the Scholastic Book Fairs Principals Advisory Board.