I am interested in doing something more than just telling parents they should read to their kids. Instead I want to teach them some strategies they can use when they read together to make sure that the child is engaged in the book  and understands what is happening. I also think parents will be more responsive if they see reading aloud as a specific set of skills. Any ideas?            

 - Wanting Something More

Dear Wanting,

Teaching specific read-aloud strategies is a great way to give parents a skill they can use again and again. Here are some simple formulas for reading aloud.

C=Comment and wait so the child has time to respond
A=Ask questions and wait so the child has time to respond
R=Respond by adding a little more and wait.
The waiting has to do with the fact that a child needs time to process and formulate a response.  Adults might literally count out eight seconds under their breath to teach them waiting skills.

P=Prompt.  Ask the child a question about something on the page
E=Evaluate  Think about what the child says
E=Expand  Either gently correct or add information.
R=Repeat  Ask the child the repeat the correct information or additional information

C=Completion.  Useful in rhymes.  Let child complete phrase
R=Recall.  Ask child what details about story
O=Open-ended  "Tell me what's going on in this picture."
W=What, where, why  Asking questions specific to the picture or story.
D=Distancing Ask questions that relate the story to the child's life.

This may sound stiff and formulaic, but in reality it can be very conversational and easy.  The trick is to teach each technique separately and allow enough time to practice before trying it out on the children. 

Good luck!   - The Fli

*Adapted from Sarah Beaman Jones of LIFT-Missouri.