- Preview your chosen book by reading it to yourself ahead of time (if possible). Such advance reading allows you to spot material you may wish to shorten, eliminate, or elaborate on.
- Have the students sit on the floor / carpet in front of you. This will replicate what their teacher does when s/he reads to them.
- Start by introducing yourself to the students and telling them briefly about you and your involvement with Rotary. Remember to emphasize the importance that reading has played in your life / success.
- Introduce your book:
- Give the title, author and illustrator.
- Discuss who the book is dedicated to, if applicable.
- Ask the students to predict, based on the title and picture on the cover, what they think the book is about. Rather than taking away the suspense by providing a correct answer, simply say, “Let’s see who is correct.”
- Hold the book so that you can read the text but also so that the students can see the pictures.
- Take time to ensure that every student has seen the applicable picture before moving on to the next page.
- Use plenty of expression when reading. If possible, change your tone of voice to fit the dialogue. Do what you can to bring the characters alive.
- Adjust your pace to fit the story. During a suspenseful part, slow down, and lower your voice. A lowered voice in the right place moves an audience to the edge of its chairs.
- The most common mistake in reading aloud — whether the reader is a seven-year-old or a forty-year-old — is reading too fast. Read slowly enough for the child to build mental pictures of what he just heard you read. Slow down enough for the children to see the pictures in the book without feeling hurried. Reading quickly allows no time for the reader to use vocal expression.
- As you read, if you sense the audience's attention drifting, gain them back by asking, "What do you think is going to happen next?"
- Debrief the book by asking a few questions. For example:
- What part of the book did you enjoy the most? Why?
- Who was your favourite character? Why?
- Enjoy yourself!
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