Videos
Here are two videos that demonstrate some of the reading techniques I use. More info is available at Reading Rockets. There you can find an interesting article titled, Dialogic Reading, which details many techniques I use, and some that you probably use, but didn't know they had a name! The article explains how to make the most of reading stories to children.
These two videos show Ms. Lucy reading to her very special grandchild, Sophie; then Soph reads to her YiaYia (Greek term for Grandmother). The delightful book is Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (2005 Caldecott Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller) by Mo Willems (Author, Illustrator). Because the audio contains sounds from other family members, and you may not be able to hear everything that is said, here's the "plot" in a nutshell: a father takes his little girl to the laundromat. On their walk, the child carries her security stuffed animal, which the family has named Knuffle Bunny. (The little girl hasn't yet begun to say words that can be understood.) While getting the laundry started, Knuffle Bunny is overlooked; Dad and daughter leave the laundromat, planning to return later for their clothes.
As soon as they are out of the laundromat, the little girl realizes Knufffle Bunny isn't with her and tries as hard as she can to tell her dad. Unfortunately Dad doesn't have a clue regarding why his daughter is having a meltdown, but he begins to get upset as his daughter screams more and more loudly. As soon as they arrive home, the mom knows immediately that Knuffle Bunny is missing; the whole family hurries back to the laundromat to search for this most important object.
Dad looks around but isn't successful. The little girl grows more and more distressed; dad persists in his quest and ultimately finds ...KNUFFLE BUNNY! On the last page of the book, the child says her very first words: Knuffle Bunny!
As you watch my grandchild hear (and see) the story for the first time, keep your eyes on her expressions (and her toes), especially as she shares the distress the child in the story experiences. The transformation on her face, as she hears that Knuffle Bunny was found, is simply marvelous. When Sophie, in turn, reads to her YiaYia, she experiences the excitement all over again.
As you can see, reading involves much more than simply saying the words on the pages. Hugs, explanations, sometimes a break, emphasis on tone and expression are all part of it. If you have any comments or observations regarding these expressions of love, feel free to send email to: lucy@lilpals.com. Please enjoy.