Mystery Readers
Tips & Hints
Procedure
How to pick a book
- Check in at the main office 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time (please bring a driver's license or state id card).
- Come to the library located near the primary classrooms.
- Check out through the main office.
How to pick a book
- Choose a book you like, your enthusiasm for the story will be apparent.
- Timing: choose a book that is around 15 minutes. Kindergartners and younger children have a lower attention span so two short books might be more appropriate.
- Reach beyond their comfort zone: exposing new and complex characters and themes to children through literature expands their knowledge base and provokes interesting discussions.
- Consult award winning lists: Caldecott Medal, (Theador Seuss) Geisel Award, Robert F. Sibert Information Book Medal
Read Aloud Strategies
Before Reading
- Activate prior knowledge: ask questions about what is known about the topics and themes that will be in the book.
- Vocabulary: explain the meaning of some of the difficult words that will be in the book.
- Predictions: ask the kids to make predictions about the book based on the title and the front illustrations.
- Practice fluency: read the book ahead of time to make sure that inflections are used correctly and difficult words are pronounced accurately.
- Ask questions to prompt meaningful discussions.
- Check for comprehension by asking a student to retell the story, identify the setting, characters, problem and resolution.
- Ask the readers to make personal connections tot he characters and the problem.
- Ask the readers to think about changes they would have made to improve the story.
Benefits of Reading Aloud
- Improves comprehension and vocabulary
- Increases fluency
- Builds motivation and excitement for reading
- Exposes children to a variety of writing styles and genres
- Builds and encourages good reading habits
- It's Fun!