Active Reading is a way to read WITH kids, rather than TO them. That means talking with kids about the stories and topics in books. Active Reading is an important part of all kids’ reading journey, from birth through 3rd grade, whether you’re reading board books, picture books or chapter books.
Choose a book: Really, any book that peaks your child’s interests will work. But, there are some things that make books really great for Active Reading.
As you sit down to read, look at the cover of the book and ask a question:
Asking a few questions is a great way to start the conversation!
Questions are important for building language in younger children, and improving comprehension in older kids. Learn how to ask great questions while Active Reading. Questions are important for building language in younger children, and improving comprehension in older kids. Learn how to ask great questions while Active Reading.
Vocabulary is the #1 proven outcome of Active Reading. In particular, Active Reading teaches words that we don’t use everyday. When kids get lots of Active Reading, their vocabulary grows. And kids who have a great vocabulary are great readers. Learn how to find and teach rare words through Active Reading.
Ask questions about what is happening in the story, what the child is learning, or what the child thinks about the book. Questions are important for building language in younger children, and improving comprehension in older kids. Learn how to ask great questions while Active Reading.
Vocabulary is the #1 proven outcome of Active Reading. In particular, Active Reading teaches “rare” words, or words that we don’t use everyday. When kids get lots of Active Reading, their vocabulary grows. And kids who have a great vocabulary are great readers. Learn how to find and teach rare words through Active Reading.
Read Charlotte is a community initiative that unites educators, community partners, and families to improve children’s reading from birth to third grade. We don’t run programs. We are a capacity-building intermediary that supports local partners to apply evidence-based knowledge about effective reading instruction and interventions, high-quality execution, continuous improvement, and data analysis to improve reading outcomes.
Read Charlotte is a civic initiative of Foundation For The Carolinas.
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