The main thing that struck me (again) in chapter 3 is that I really wish I had read this book before I had kids. I think it may be on my list of baby shower gifts. In chapter 3 Trelease breaks down read-alouds at different ages and stages of development. I found it particularly helpful that he highlights the key features of each age and some recommended books.
Infants: “… parents frequently read aloud books and stories that rhyme.” (page 49)
Toddlers: “As much as possible you want the child to interact with you and the book” (page 51) “labelling the environment” (page 52)
Some other key things that jumped out at me:
- Taking a short time to introduce the book and some unknown vocabulary prior to reading can increase learning benefits.
- The transition from picture book to novel should be smooth.
While you don’t want to drown the child in words, you do want to unconsciously entice him away from a complete dependence on illustrations for comprehension and into more words. (page 57)
- I love how he discusses the difference between novels that are meant to be read aloud and those that should be read silently. I hadn’t thought about it before but it is a great point! There are some things that need to be processed more slowly as you read to yourself but others that have so much more power when you hear them. This is a concept I would like to further explore.
- bowdlerize 1: to expurgate (as a book) by omitting or modifying parts considered vulgar 2: to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content (Merriam-Webster app). I learned a new word!
- I love the rule of 50! I don’t know why I haven’t come across this before but I am totally using this in my own reading.