Originally, I picked up Jim Trelease’s “The Read-Aloud Handbook” with a specific intention. I was in search of a “greatest hits” collection of books that I could reference for Dean’s at-home library. And in that regard, I truly hit a home run. The last 100 pages of this book is an extensive glossary of titles sorted by age range. This glossary is now guiding me in creating “Dean’s Library” wishlist on Amazon.
However, what really took me by surprise was the wealth of knowledge I gained from the chapters Trelease wrote before the glossary. Each chapter is filled to the brim with research and remarkable insights that firmly support the significance of reading aloud to children. It turns out that this activity is more crucial than worksheets, homework, book reports, and flash cards. In fact, high SAT scores have been associated with parents who read to their kids daily, even after they have learned to read independently.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is especially beneficial if you have children, are a teacher or librarian, and/or have a desire to assist kids in becoming better readers. It is a text that I will undoubtedly return to time and time again.
First of all, this book is of great significance to me as a person who has been recording herself reading stories for the children in my life. It not only encourages adults to read to children but also emphasizes the importance of reading with children. Moreover, it provides opportunities for children of all ages to interact with books in various forms, such as print, ebook, and audio.
I am particularly fond of the treasury of recommended read aloud books presented in the second half of the book. These recommendations are extremely valuable as they offer a wide range of excellent books for adults to choose from when reading aloud to children. Additionally, the tips for reading aloud provided in the book are also very practical and helpful. They can assist adults in improving their reading aloud skills and making the reading experience more enjoyable and engaging for children.
Overall, this is a very resource-rich book that contains a wealth of useful information and practical tips. It is highly recommended for all parents, teachers, and caregivers who are interested in promoting reading and literacy among children.