First training Workshop

Nadia Guardiano, regional representative for Nati per Leggere, reads to us.

BECOMING READERS

What are some ways to read with children? How to choose a quality children's book? What are the benefits of reading together for us adults and parents? And for children? These were some of the questions discussed at the first workshop intended for volunteer readers that will read aloud to the children that will frequent the Biblioteca dei Bimbi (Children's Library).

Answering questions, Dr. Domenico Cappellucci, Associazione Culturale Pediatri

Books: A Means of Satisfying Our Need for Stories

The need to tell a story about oneself and the world is intrinsic to human nature and children, too, have a need to share their stories. They do this daily through play, constructing the meaning of their experiences. A story, with its beginning, heart and ending, gives us a sense of security and closure and helps us give sense to our lives. Stories help us read our worlds, our feelings and ask questions and receive answers. They are a joyous means of constructing positive relationships with our children.

Book selection

It is very important to have read a book before reading it aloud with children so that we have already begun to explore what the book provokes in us as readers and listeners. Only having done so can we fully enter into the engagement that reading aloud brings, and truly be present.

Ingredients for Reading Aloud

• Activate all of your senses
• Listen to the listener
• Read with your voice, body and gaze
• Have fun!
• Give time and space to the imagination
• Allow meaning, rhythm, words, pauses and illustrations to speak through you
• Interpret the story, exploring the tone, timber, volume and rhythm of your voice
• Capture and maintaing attention through motivation, enthusiasm, surprise and repetition

Practicing reading aloud

"Your child will love books because he loves you." 

Associazione Lettori Volontari "Leggiamo Una Storia", Pescara

Association of Volunteer Readers "Let's Read a Story," Pescara

Children learn to read in the arms of their parents because it's through this loving relationship that we impart the value of shared experience!

We offer our warmest gratitude to Nadia and Mimmo, who introduced us to the importance of reading aloud with children from pregnancy on, and to all participants in the workshop.