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Tips for Guest Readers
- Choose a story that can be completed in one sitting. Be sure to read the book in advance to develop a feel for the books language and pace.
- Set the stage by asking a question that will engage children in the story they are about to hear. It can be a question based on the title of the book, the book cover, or some hint about what may happen in the story that will help younger children anticipate what is about to come.
- Kids who have grown up on TV can be a little hard to reach. Dont be afraid to use showmanship to get the story across. Modulate your voice as you move from character to character or perform a series of pantomimes to convey the story.
- Most readings are timed for 15-20 minutes (10 minutes for preschoolers). Anything longer and the children could get restless.
- Do not rush through the story, but stop now and then to ask questions, to explain the meaning of an event, or to let children look at the pictures.
- Use props, costumes, or music to make the story come alive. Some volunteers wear crazy hats or dress up as storybook characters. At one RIF project, a father came as a mystery reader, wearing a cape and mask, and read from a childrens mystery book. At another, a school principal came in the garb of Long John Silver and read excerpts from Treasure Island.
- Make your reading interactive by holding up a picture book and asking children to explain what is happening or predict what is going to happen. To get children really involved, choose a story in which they can echo a phrase or chime in on a refrain, for example Esphyr Slobodkins' Caps for Sale.
- Kids need a sense of closure, so be sure to leave plenty of time to finish the story.
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