October 18, 2012

What is Read Together, Talk Together?It is a research-based technique of dialogic reading

toexpand children's language and emergent literacy

skills.This interactive approach has been shown to producesignificant gains in language development, includingimproved expressive language, sound and letteridentification, emergent writing skills, and

knowledge ofprint concepts.

Why is it important?Reading to young children is instrumental in

getting them ready for school. Research has shown that certain ways of reading to children are more effective than others at building early literacy skills. The way we read to children is just as important as how frequently we read to them. When children are active participants in the reading experience, they demonstrate greater language gains than when they listen passively to stories.

What will we be reading?

What will we be reading?

Parent note cards for set 1.Page 1 provides tips for introducing the reading, reading, and discussing the book. It also has a section that helps you link vocabulary to your child’s life.

Parent note cards for set 1.Page 2 provides prompts for questioning your child to help them discuss the book.

Parent note cards for set 1.Page 3 provides a list of vocabulary words that are pictured in the book. You can have children name or point to the objects.

Parent note cards for set 2.Page 1 provides tips for introducing the reading, reading, and discussing the book. The activities at the bottom of the page offer suggestions on others ways you can use the book to help develop literacy skills.

Parent note cards for set 2.Page 2 provides recall questions to help children focus on the characters and plot of the story.

Parent note cards for set 2.Page 3 provides prompts to help children begin to talk about the book after several readings.

Parent note cards for set 2.Page 4 provides a list of vocabulary words that are pictured in the book. You can have children name or point to the objects.

What will be in your packet?Parent cardBookActivitiesAll supplies needed to complete the activityReflection journal, notebook or paper

What is your job?To try to read the book every night.Ask the questions from the parent card.Complete the activities at the end of the

week.Enjoy the reading experience with your child.Return all materials and activities on

Thursday of each week.

Miscellaneous Information You will receive books from both sets.You will probably come across some books your

child does not enjoy as much as others. This is ok, they are learning their preferences.

If you feel an activity is too easy or hard for your child, you can alter them in a way that makes it suitable for your child.

This should be a fun activity to do with your child each night, enjoy the closeness of reading together and working together to complete a task!