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Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Read WITH a Child

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.

Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

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.

Get Ready to Read!

As you sit down to read, look at the cover of the book and ask a question:

  • What do you think this book will be about?
  • Have you met this character before?
  • What do you know about this already?
  • Or, what questions do you have?


Asking a few questions is a great way to start the conversation!

Time to Read!

Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Ask Questions

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. 

Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Build Vocabulary

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.

Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Connect to the Child’s World

Connecting with books through Active Reading conversation turns reading into an experience that kids remember, and love! Learn how to create conversation around kids’ connections with stories, characters, and knowledge.

Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Ask Questions

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. 

WATCH TO LEARN HOW
Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Build Vocabulary

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.

WATCH TO LEARN HOW
Community Children’s Reading Initiative | Read Charlotte

Connect to the Child’s World

Connecting with books through conversation fosters a love of reading, and turns reading into an experience that kids remember. Learn how to create conversation around kids’ connections with stories, characters, and knowledge. 

WATCH TO LEARN HOW

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