11.01.16Reading Challenging Texts Aloud–My Column in TES
As readers of this blog will surely know, I am a strong advocate of both reading aloud to your kids and specifically reading complex and challenging texts to them. I recently described that what and why in much greater details than I’ve been able to before in the September 9 issue of England’s TES Magazine (@tes). They graciously agreed to allow me to share a copy of the article. It’s attached below in PDF. It starts with a reflection on a book I was reading to my second grader–Island of the Blue Dolphins–and progresses to a reflection on how children learn to read and how they learn to love reading. Hope you enjoy it.
Doug,
I really enjoyed this article, thanks for posting.
I first got in touch with your writing because I’m a soccer coach. But I’m also interested in the education of my own kids and the children we work with in Cape Town with the Ubuntu Football Academy, so that’s kept me reading. We are starting our own school in January, and I’ve asked all of our staff to follow your blog because there is so much rich content. Thanks for that.
I have a question in regards to the article. Is there a progression of more difficult books you would encourage us to read with our children at specific ages? My daughter, now 7, and I started reading the Chronicles of Narnia together several years ago. She fell in love and it was such rich time for us. However, I think I’ve gotten lazy and we’re stuck on our 5th book in the progression. She’s now a great reader herself, so I think I’ve taken the foot off the pedal in some ways. I would imagine you would endorse these stories, but what other stories are great to read to our kids?
Thanks for all you share with us.
Cheers,
Casey Prince