Children love to hear the language of storybooks. This language can enhance the oral English they have been using in the classroom. The pictures and your expression help children to understand the vocabulary and the story. Children can see and hear the English they've learned come alive through storybook characters.

For each storybook, try some of these suggestions before, during, and after you read the story. Children will learn many new reading skills as they watch you model the process.

Reread the story often. Each time you reread the story, stop on a different page, talk about the picture, and ask questions.

Practice reading the story before you read it to students.

• Think of a different voice you can use for each character.




• Practice the intonation. For example, if the child in the story is sad, make your voice sound sad.




• Use the cover of the storybook to help children learn to predict what the story will be about.




• As you read the title and run your finger under it, ask children to think what the story will be about. Ask for their predictions. Write some of their predictions on the board.

Hold the book so children can see the pictures on the pages.

• Read the story to them in a fun way, using different voices and showing that you are enjoying it. Go back to check children's predictions.




• Talk about the pictures and show children how looking at the pictures helps them understand what is happening.




• When you get to a part that says "He said" or "She said," point to the character who is speaking to help children understand who is talking.

Quickly review what happened in the story. Then ask children questions about things that happened in the story, to check their understanding.

After you read the story the first time, go back to check children's predictions.

Invite children to show their understanding through drawing, acting out the story, or doing an art project. Give them time to talk about their projects or drawings. Ask them if they ever did anything that was like something that happened in the story.

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