Book of the Week GIVEAWAY: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr / Eric Carle
Why we love this book:
EVERY home and classroom library should begin with a copy of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See! This week our focus is on reading aloud to children as part of a balanced reading program. Brown Bear, Brown Bear is the Granddaddy to all early literacy read aloud books.
The repetitive pattern that uses familiar color words and easy sight words combined with it’s big, bold, colorful collage pictures of animals make it a favorite of young children. If your home or classroom library does not include a copy of Brown Bear, Brown Bear we wish you luck to win this copy. If you already own a copy of this classic book, we wish you luck so you can give it to a little friend or a local charity.
Reading Aloud to Young Children
10 Things Children Learn From Read Alouds:
1. Reading is FUN!
- Before children learn the alphabet and sight words, they need to experience the joy of reading.
- We want to grow life long readers and learners! So put away the flashcards and snuggle-up with those little children and a good book.
2. Books are ENTERTAINING!
- Children need to know that books are entertainment. Books are funny, sad, suspenseful and full of adventure.
- Books are like T.V. and movies on paper, only more fun because you get to use your imagination.
3. Books are INTERESTING!
- Children love facts! They need to know that books are loaded with interesting tidbits of information.
- We want to grow life long learners that seek out knowledge. Books are knowledge!
4. What Good Readers Sound Like
- How to read with fluency.
- How to read with phrasing.
- How to read with expression.
5. What “Story Book Language” Sounds Like
- Most books sound different than our “regular” every day talking. Children need to become familiar with the language of books.
6. New Vocabulary
- Read alouds allow children to experience advanced vocabulary they aren’t ready to read independently.
7. A Core of Easy Familiar Words
8. How to read from the left of the page to the right of the page.
9. How to read from the top of the page to the bottom of the page.
10. How to read pointing one-to-one.
How to Pick Books for Young Children:
- Books with simple, big, bold and bright pictures.
- Books with simple and repetitive text.
- Books that are written in a pattern style, with a rhythm that children quickly chime into.
- Books that include easy familiar words that help children build a little core of known words.
- What should we look for when picking books for preschoolers.
Inviting Children to Share the Read Aloud Experience:
- Once the pattern has been established, simply pause and most children will eagerly join in.
“Red Bird, Red Bird what do you see? I see a yellow duck ___________________ “
- Once the children are familiar with the story, invite them to read along.
- Yes, at this stage most of it will be memorization. This early confidence will serve them well as they begin reading independently.
- Model one-to-one pointing as you read.
When to Begin Reading Aloud to Children
- It’s never too early!
- We always give board books as Baby Shower Gifts.
- I began reading to both of my children when they were tiny little infants. We snuggled on the bed, they stared at the pictures in rapture and kicked at the bright colors.
- Of course they ate a few books along the way, but it was well worth it.
Life with Jeannine
We’re GIVING AWAY one hardcover copy of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. / Eric Carle
To enter this contest, just answer the following question in the comments section of this post.
What are you reading aloud to your children this week? (Or just say “Hey.” We’re flexible around here.)
The Rules:
One entry per person, please.
No entries after 8:00 pm Central Time, Thursday, February 23, 2012
The winner must be a resident of The United States.
The winner will be selected at random and announced Friday, January 24, 2012. Check back to claim your prize. It might be you!
10 Favorite Read Alouds for Children
Next Week We’ll Look at Reading Aloud to Older Children
Sharing this week at:
Hip Homeschool Moms
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