Submitted by: Alistair Owens(30) keen2learn Log in to become a member of Alistair Owens's Fan Club!
Dads are abandoning the essential task of reading to their children. Seven steps to overcome the fear of most Dads in a simple guide to encourage them to read bedtime stories to their children and turn story reading into an educational game. Recognised as a key ingredient to a child’s reading development this enjoyable task has fallen by the wayside with 57 percent of Dads.
Point a video camera at somebody and ask them to say something, the chances are they will clam up. It’s a natural reaction; most of us don’t want to take centre stage. And it is the same with bedtime stories. To help at a child understand the story we should try to use different voices for each character, apply inflection in the narration and worst of all we have to read out aloud!
It’s the end of the day, we’re tired, stressed, and certainly don’t feel the ideal person to read a story. Whereas mums tend to take the lead in early learning with their natural affinity with language, the bedtime educational story is still a vital support role that dad’s should play. Stories develop a child’s imagination, encourages literacy, self expression and an interest in reading – the backbone of all education.
Step 1. Catch your breath, relax and take your time. No point in rushing as you will achieve little apart from disappointing your child and getting frustrated yourself.
Step 2. Reading aloud may be awkward initially, with many of us inhibited by the thought of it. But it becomes a lot easier with practice. Speaking to a video camera involves ad libing or remembering some lines. Reading a story is easier as the script is right there before you.
Step 3. Try and develop a different voice for each character. It helps add drama and your child’s understanding of the story. It makes reading easier for you and listening more fun for the children.
Step 4. Add inflection to your voice to emphasise the action. Make it sound scary if the villain speaks or you are setting a key scene in the story.
Step 5. Try listening to an online story. Many can be found on the web. Narrated by actors they tell the story and also give you a great idea of how you can read a story out loud.
Step 6. Show your feelings as you read the story, and ask questions to get your child to join in “What do you feel about that?"
Step 7. Read support books such as “Dad did it" by Chris Wakefield, and “How to enjoy reading aloud to young children" by Alison Shakespeare.
You have probably presented a report or opinion at work, school or university. You may have loved or loathed the experience. Some people have a natural talent to present; others need a bit of encouragement. Do remember at bedtime you have an intimate audience of one or two delighted children who also enjoy their time with you. It induces some quality time with the kids, gives mum a break and acts as a transition between work and home. With practice you will really get to enjoy it.
The LiteracyTtrust in the UK have shown that story telling has a huge influence in a child’s interest in reading. Their literacy skills leap ahead, and their story telling ability, something that is essential in expression, gets a real boost. And it could all be down to you and a little light reading.
Alistair Owens http://www.keen2learn.co.uk believes that bringing fun into education provides a huge boost to a child's enjoyment and ability. Educational games played at home complement a child's school experience and allow parents to stay dynamically in touch with progress.
Alistair Owens believes modern society and our often frantic lifestyle have impacted on the educational values, standards and achievement of our children. We should inject far greater fun in the learning programme in the form of educational games. The combination of child, teacher and parent should be reconsidered and make greater use of the modern technology available to enrich the learning journey.
As someone who struggled at school he believes that modern technology now provides a huge opportunity for parents to provide greater practical support to children and teachers. He writes articles and a blog to promote ideas where this support can be applied.
» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(4,435) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (63 days 12 hours ago.)
Truly great article. How sad many home have no dad. Many dads' work long hours and multiple jobs. There is much in society today that is no longer the same as even 20 years ago. Yet this is essential for your children. Dad when you can - make time. Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Thursday, July 03, 2008 View other articles written by Alistair Owens(30)
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