November Inspirations
Who will be the lucky recipient of your vocal gift?
Your son, daughter, niece, nephew
Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa
A friend, student, infant, toddler, preschool age child
Someone recovering from an illness, a hospital patient
A resident of a memory care home
How will you share your reading talents?
Read a book, magazine article, newspaper, or letter
Sing some or all of the words for any of the above
Gather the reading materials to present in a special tote bag, basket, or gift box you plan to leave after you read to someone
When will you make time to Read Aloud?
Admittedly this can be a bit tricky. It helps to have a designated weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly plan if you wish to share with those who are confined to their homes or hospital. It gives everyone something to look forward to on a regular schedule.
For your children, perhaps you can plan to read before bedtime.
If daily scheduled readings are challenging, try every other day or three times per week. Something is better than nothing.
You might also enjoy my post on "book less" storytelling. This type of reading can be done in the car, on a trip, and during your daily trips as you run errands. Check out this post:
Where will you be inspired to Read Aloud?
The best part of reading is that you can do this anywhere! There are so many options to create portable, creative, and flexible opportunities. Some places you can read aloud:
Grocery Store
So many labels and signs
Church
(when you read prayers, respond to clergy prompts, and sing songs in the hymnal) That counts as Read Aloud moments!
Home
Right after dinner, quiet time during or after baths, before bedtime
(You can find water proof books!)
Outside
Take books to the park, to a sports event, and in the car
Why is it important to share these moments?
Reading Aloud gives children (and adults) the opportunity to hear variations in vocal tones, recognize the subtle nuances of emotion, and expand their view of the world by listening to various interpretations of a story. The same story can have a different meaning and impact just by switching who reads the book. So it's O.K. to hear the same story over and over again. Just try changing up who reads it. (Or you can practice using different voices, cadence, and inflection as you read the story.)
What will you Read Aloud this month?
Where to start on this one?
So many options!
I'm working on a list right now. I have just discovered some pretty talented writers who have recently published. So...
Your list of recommendations will be ready to go soon with some extra bonus reads just for grown ups. (Because you deserve to have someone read to you too.) Can't wait to share!
Happy November 1st!
