Parent to Parent: Dialogic Reading

WSVN -- Hileneve Robinson-Green: "Curious George and the Dinosaur."

Hileneve Green loves to read to daughter Nicole.

Hileneve Robinson-Green: "The earth was once full of huge creatures like this."

But she doesn't just tell stories, she's helping Nicole learn by using a technique called dialogic reading, which is all about getting your child actively involved in a book.

Hileneve Robinson-Green: "Both my grandmother and my mother are teachers, and that's the way they taught me to read. They involved me in what they were doing, so for me part of it is natural."

Many teachers are using dialogic reading in the classroom. At Chesterbrook Academy, it's believed this technique is helping students excel.

Amanda Jolly: "Dialogic reading actively engages the children in learning skills, and children are more likely to retain what they are taught when they take an active role in learning."

And any parent can do it at home. First, make sure to ask "what" questions to get the child to talk about the story.

Ask open-ended questions like, "How did that happen?" to encourage kids to use their imagination, and listen to your child's answers to your questions and ask more. Expanding on a child's comments makes him feel like his opinion really matters.

Dr. Valerie says the goal is to capture a child's interest every time.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "The more that they can question and get into what they're reading, the better, so it's important for the parents to stop every couple of pages and say, 'What do you think is important about what we just read?'"

Teacher: "Oh, no! What do they have to do?

Students: "Go through it, whew!"

And the bottom line for parents and kids, reading together is a great chance to bond.

Dr Valerie Goode: "It's a wonderful experience for a child. A child feels important, feels like a parent is taking their time to spend with the child."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
http://www.drvaleriegoode.com