A picture book read aloud is a perfect opportunity for teachers to make reading fun for children. Read on for ideas to liven things up in the classroom.

A picture book read aloud presented by a teacher to a classroom full of students has plenty of opportunities for amusement. Encourage young readers to become lifelong readers by taking the time to try out some of these read aloud ideas. When reading is fun, children pay attention in school!

Use Props for Making Reading Fun

Puppets that resemble the main characters in a story are fun to use with a picture book read aloud. Puppetry helps story characters “come to life” for children. Puppets can be bought from educational supply stores or can be made by hand using supplies found in popular craft stores.


Read With Gusto During the Picture Book Read Aloud

Young children often enjoy hearing the same picture book read aloud over and over again. Make the 100th reading as exciting as the first time by using a dramatic voice. Reading with a high pitched, low pitched, or accented voice is a sure-fire way to keep the story interesting. Be fearless when teaching and go for the gusto!
Dress the Part

Playing dress up doesn’t have to be reserved only for preschoolers on a playdate. If the picture book has a main character that really is quite a character, play up on that! Rummage for old clothes around the house, at thrift stores, or garage sales in order to look the part. A read aloud that is performed by a life-sized book character look-alike is a definite way to make reading fun for children.
If the picture book is a familiar one, older students may want to dress up as well. Putting on a class play is a fun extension activity that teaches students cooperation and public speaking skills.

Read in a Sing-Song Voice

It is not uncommon for a young child to grow attached to a particular picture book. Using rhythms from popular children’s songs to liven up that 100th reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a fun read aloud idea (especially for teachers who have grown weary of this award-winning picture book). Be spunky and have fun singing the words; children appreciate enthusiasm!


Read more at Suite101: Picture Book Read Aloud – Making Reading Fun for Children http://www.suite101.com/content/picture-book-read-aloudmaking-reading-fun-for-children-a274556#ixzz0z5Lbf9gZ