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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
If I could, I'd give the first half of the book (the anecdote and research part) 3 stars, and the list of read-aloud books 5 stars. I'm not exactly sure what I expected from a read-aloud handbook -- tips on how to make reading aloud more dramatic, maybe, or how to do different voices? But it seemed to me that most of the stuff that's covered in the first half of the book is "common knowledge," or at least is mentioned pretty frequently in parenting articles nowadays. For example, the author seems to think the reader will be surprised that comic books are okay reading material. Pretty standard stuff. I also didn't particularly care for the Q&A format, for example, "How many books should be in the home library?" (p. 110). First of all, it seems contrived. Does anyone really actually ask these "Frequently Asked Questions," or is it just an excuse to present the info the author wants to present? And then, he doesn't really answer a lot of them. (So for the above question, he first says "the mere presence of books can often be enough... a dozen to call your own"... but then cites research saying the higher number of books (0, 25, 75, 500), the greater the chances of the student completing higher education levels. So how many should I have?) Why ask a question you're not going to fully answer?
However, I did find the following points worthwhile:
- The frequently-referenced children's interest in literature chart on page p. xviii (Kids tend to have a high interest in books if their mothers read novels, their fathers read newspapers, they go to the library, they're read to daily, etc.)
- Discussion of reading level vs. listening level -- reading too basic of a story aloud bores the listener & insults their intelligence
- What makes a good read-aloud book, and dos and don'ts for reading aloud
- Discussion of TV's closed-captioning as a reading tutorial
- The reminder that it's important to set a visible example. (My kids don't know I'm reading (vs. checking messages or Facebook) if I'm reading on my phone. Maybe I'm old-fashioned -- or just old -- but I prefer hard copies anyway, so I've been trying to make it a habit to let them see me read.)
I'll also note here that I was put off by the overly-critical tone about dads. There are so many good dads out there (including my husband), and I don't like to see them all lumped together with such a negative stereotype.
BUT I like the book list. It's categorized nicely. It's up-to-date and has a great variety. I like that each book shows its recommended "listening level" (not reading level). And I like the list of related books (if you like Charlotte's Web, you might also like...). I felt that this was worth buying an electronic version so I can reference it when I'm looking for something to check out at our library.
However, I did find the following points worthwhile:
- The frequently-referenced children's interest in literature chart on page p. xviii (Kids tend to have a high interest in books if their mothers read novels, their fathers read newspapers, they go to the library, they're read to daily, etc.)
- Discussion of reading level vs. listening level -- reading too basic of a story aloud bores the listener & insults their intelligence
- What makes a good read-aloud book, and dos and don'ts for reading aloud
- Discussion of TV's closed-captioning as a reading tutorial
- The reminder that it's important to set a visible example. (My kids don't know I'm reading (vs. checking messages or Facebook) if I'm reading on my phone. Maybe I'm old-fashioned -- or just old -- but I prefer hard copies anyway, so I've been trying to make it a habit to let them see me read.)
I'll also note here that I was put off by the overly-critical tone about dads. There are so many good dads out there (including my husband), and I don't like to see them all lumped together with such a negative stereotype.
BUT I like the book list. It's categorized nicely. It's up-to-date and has a great variety. I like that each book shows its recommended "listening level" (not reading level). And I like the list of related books (if you like Charlotte's Web, you might also like...). I felt that this was worth buying an electronic version so I can reference it when I'm looking for something to check out at our library.
This book is my favorite baby shower gift to new parents. I have devoured editions five and six and turn to it periodically for motivation to continue my read alouds and for book suggestions. I didn't think the newest edition would have anything new to add, but I was wrong. Trelease goes into very timely issues of our day like smart phones, texting and ebooks and their affects on children. Favorite quotes: " "...if publishers put enough sound and video into ebooks, converting them from books to products. The danger for the ebook as product is that it will fall prey to the temptations that twisted television." Trelease also devotes several pages to admonish fathers for taking their sons to baseball games, but not to libraries or bookstores.
This should be required reading for every parent and teacher.
SO I AM DEFINITELY GOING TO BE READING TO THE CHILDREN IN MY LIFE this book showed me just how important reading is and builds a strong case for increased storytime and sustained silent reading time in schools and in the home. The research on this topic is fascinatinf, and there's even a great treasury of read-aloud books for all ages in the back. My nerd heart is satisfied.
I originally checked this book out from the library. It took me about 10 minutes to determine I needed to have my own copy. The treasury of read-alouds in the back of the book alone is worth it!
I really feel like every parent and every teacher could benefit greatly from reading this book. It’s not a how-to book; it’s a why book, and an important one.
I wish someone had told me about this book when my big kids were younger, and for that reason, I will probably keep it in mind as a go-to gift for new parents.
I really feel like every parent and every teacher could benefit greatly from reading this book. It’s not a how-to book; it’s a why book, and an important one.
I wish someone had told me about this book when my big kids were younger, and for that reason, I will probably keep it in mind as a go-to gift for new parents.
This is by far the best book about reading to your children in the entire world. It should be required reading before giving birth, "Sorry lady, no epidural until you finish this chapter." That being said, the only small flaw in this otherwise perfect book, is the treasury of book titles in the back. It didn't have enough books to my liking. However, it did have many titles so all is not lost. Pair this book with Esme Raji Codell's book and you have a powerful tool to help your children become lifelong readers and learners.
First half of book is only so-so. The book list in the back is wonderful and alone is worth the purchase of the book!
What a fantastic book for parents to read. I knew about the impact of reading aloud to kids, but I still learned a lot of new things. I love that this book provides a list of books to read aloud for various ages and interests. Jim Trelease includes his own experience and combines it with other people's stories and research findings. It definitely encourages the reader to do even more reading on this topic. The edition I read also included chapters on electronics such as TV, audiobooks, etc. and how they affect our habits and how we can use them efficiently, as well as on daddies reading to their kids and why that is important. I guess most of the readers interested in this book are women, but he states that if nothing else, let the daddies read Chapter 9.
I can not even begin to imagine how many times we will reference this book for the next 20 years. If nothing else, this book is fabulous just for the book treasury. I honestly really enjoyed the written part as well though. What a motivator to read to your kids! It was full of such interesting studies and statistics as well as tips and tricks. Yes, he was very much preaching to the choir in it all I am afraid, but I loved every second of it! This book was given to me by my sister in law, and I have already given a couple copies to some friends, and will continue to gift for years to come!
This is my second read through of this book, now that my girls are old enough to sit through novels. My favorite part is the treasury but I enjoy all the statistics and encouragement on the benefits of reading aloud to our children.