At Raising a Reader, we make it easy for families to build joyful reading routines at home. Our Classic Red Book Bag Program is simple, effective, and proven to support early literacy. Here’s how it works:

1. Take Home a Red Book Bag

Each week, children bring home a bright red book bag filled with high-quality, award-winning books. Every title is carefully chosen to spark curiosity and connection.

2.  Read Together at Home

Families read together throughout the week—no pressure, just joy. We provide simple tips to help caregivers turn storytime into quality time. Connections matter!

3. Return and Repeat

Children return their bag and receive a new one the next week. This weekly exchange keeps reading fresh and builds consistent reading routines that stick.

With every book bag, we’re helping families create a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.

 Learn more about the Classic Red Book Bag Program

This year’s report highlights our growing reach, with 34,000 additional children and families served and new partnerships with organizations like Stanford IMPACT, Utah Foster Care, and Save the Children to expand reading access nationwide. We also piloted Read Together, Grow Together and early math initiatives, ensuring a whole-child approach to learning.

Most importantly, the data speaks volumes:

• 92% of families established a shared reading routine (up from 64%).
• 91% of parents feel confident supporting their child’s learning at home.
• 87% of families believe their child is school-ready (compared to just 45% before Raising a Reader).

These achievements wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated partners, educators, and supporters. Together, we’re making a difference!

Read the full report and see the impact we’ve made together:
https://raisingareader.org/2024-impact-report/

While students enjoy snow days and cozy reading indoors, educators, schools, and libraries can take steps to ensure every child has access to books at home when school is out.

Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA) makes it easy to build home libraries that keep children engaged, learning, and ready for the next school year.

Each SSLA set includes:

 High-quality, diverse books to build literacy skills
 Fun, interactive activities that make learning fun

 Family-friendly guides to support building reading routines at home

By planning now, you can guarantee your students have books in hand when summer arrives—helping them avoid the summer slide and establishing a home library that supports lifelong learning.

Even though there may be snow on the ground, let’s set students up for success this summer. 

Order Your Super Summer Learning Adventures Program Today: https://raisingareader.org/super-summer-learning-adventures/

Questions? We’d love to connect!

#SuperSummerLearning #HomeLibraries #PreventSummerSlide #RaisingaReader

When families use reading time at home to talk about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements, they help children build foundational math skills that can support later success in school. 

Math is everywhere in stories—from counting objects in illustrations to exploring shapes in the environment—and these everyday moments offer the perfect opportunity to make math come alive for young children. 

Tips for Incorporating Math into Storytime 

Here are some simple tips to help families bring math to life during shared reading: 

Choose Math-Themed Books 
Books that focus on counting, shapes, patterns, comparisons, money and problem solving naturally lend themselves to math talk. Look for stories where characters use math in real-life situations, like measuring ingredients or counting toys, to spark conversations about math concepts like: Quack and Count by Keith Baker; Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell; and, Who Eats First? by Ae-hae Yoon.  

Spot Math Concepts in Pictures 
As you turn the pages, pause to point out numbers, shapes, or patterns in the pictures. Ask questions like, “How many trees are there?” or “Do you see any circles on this page?” These questions can help children practice identifying and understanding math in the world around them.  

Ask Math-Related Questions 
Encourage math exploration by asking open-ended questions during the story. Questions like, “What happens if we add one more apple to the basket?” or “Can you find something that is taller than this character?” make math fun and interactive. 

Consider Gender, Culture, and Language 
Be mindful of the diversity in the math stories you choose. Look for books that reflect different cultures, languages, and experiences to ensure all children see themselves in the math world. This shows that math is for everyone! 
 

Happy reading—and happy counting! 

At Raising a Reader, we are committed to supporting families and educators in this critical transition. With 25 years of experience and evidence-based programs, we provide the tools and resources that ensure children are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.  

Below are some practical tips that you can share with the families you work with, to help their children start the school year off strong. 

1. Build Early Literacy Skills 

One of the most important ways to prepare your child for kindergarten is by building early literacy skills. Reading together every day helps your child builds bonds, improves vocabulary, and enhances comprehension skills. 

2. Establish a Routine 

Establishing a daily routine that includes regular reading, playtime, and other educational activities helps children feel safe, secure and ready for school. 

3. Encourage Independence 

Kindergarten is a time for children to develop independence. Encourage your child to take on small responsibilities, such as packing their own backpack or choosing their clothes for the day. These activities build confidence and self-sufficiency, which are important for success in school. 

4. Social and Emotional Readiness 

In addition to academic skills, social and emotional readiness is crucial for kindergarten success. Help your child develop social skills by arranging playdates and encouraging them to share and take turns. Choose books that give you the opportunity to talk about their feelings and how to express them appropriately. 

Learn more about Raising a Reader, our programs, impact and more.  

Preparándose para el Kínder: Preparando a tu hijo (a) para un año escolar exitoso.

Como educadores y facilitadores, debes entender sobre el enorme valor que tiene una preparación temprana en el camino educativo de un niño (a). La transición hacia el kínder es un momento de pivoteo, no solamente para los niños (as) sino que también para sus familias. Este momento especial edifica el fundamento para el éxito académico en el futuro y un aprendizaje de por vida.

En Criando un Lector, estamos comprometidos con apoyar a las familias y a los educadores en esta transición critica. Con más de 23 años de experiencia y basados en programas de evidencia, proveemos las herramientas y los recursos que aseguran que los niños (as) están bien equipados con las habilidades que necesitan para salir adelante en el kínder y más allá.

Abajo encontrarás algunos consejos prácticos que puedes compartir con las familias con quienes trabajas, para ayudar a sus niños (as) a que empiecen el año escolar de la mejor manera.

1. Construye habilidades de Alfabetización Temprana

 Una de las maneras más importantes para preparar a su hijo (a) para el kínder es    construyendo habilidades de alfabetización temprana. Leer juntos cada día ayuda a que tu hijo (a) construya vínculos, a que mejore el vocabulario, y a que aumente las habilidades de comprensión.

2. Establece una Rutina

El establecer una rutina diaria que incluya lecturas regulares, tiempo para jugar, y otras actividades educativas ayuda a que los niños (as) se sientan a salvo, seguros y listos para la escuela.

3. Fomenta la Independencia

El kínder es un tiempo adonde los niños (as) desarrollan un sentido de independencia. Motiva a tu hijo (a) para que esté a cargo de responsabilidades pequeñas, como, arreglar su propia mochila o elegir su propia ropa para el día. Estas actividades ayudan para construir una mejor confianza y auto suficiencia, las cuales son muy importantes para obtener el éxito en la escuela. 

4. Preparación Social y Emocional

En adición a las habilidades académicas, la preparación social y emocional es crucial para tener éxito en el kínder. Ayuda a que tu hijo (a) desarrolle estas habilidades sociales preparando momentos en que los niños puedan jugar con otros niños, y anímalos a compartir y que tomen turnos en los juegos. Escoge libros que brinden la oportunidad de hablar sobre sus sentimientos, y en como expresarlos apropiadamente.

Aprende más sobre Criando un Lector, nuestros programas, el impacto y más.

Here, we share some of the key takeaways and resources to help educators, parents, and caregivers foster a love for STEM in young learners. 

 
Practical Tips for Using Diverse Books in STEM Education 

1. Utilize Expository Nonfiction: Expository nonfiction books present factual information in engaging ways, making complex STEM concepts accessible to young readers. These books are essential for providing a well-rounded understanding of STEM subjects. 

Tip: 

• Look for nonfiction books that combine interesting facts with captivating visuals and clear explanations. This can help children develop a deeper interest in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math 
   

2. Promote STEM Engagement at Home: Encourage families to use diverse STEM books to spark curiosity and initiate STEM-related conversations with their children. This helps make learning a part of everyday life. 

Tip: 

• Create a reading routine that includes diverse STEM books. Discuss the content and encourage children to ask questions and explore further. This can turn reading time into a fun and educational experience. 
   

3. Integrate Books into Classroom Activities: Teachers can use diverse books to introduce and explain STEM concepts in relatable ways, helping students see themselves in the stories and subjects they are learning about. 

Tip: 

• Incorporate books into hands-on STEM activities. For example, after reading a book about space, engage students in a simple rocket-building project or a star-gazing activity. This reinforces the concepts in a practical and memorable way. 
   

4. Balance Storytelling with Education: Authors and educators can create engaging narratives that weave in educational content, making STEM concepts more relatable and enjoyable for young readers. 
 

Tip: 

• Look for books that tell compelling stories while introducing STEM principles. Books that combine fictional narratives with factual information can capture children’s imaginations while educating them. 
   

Resources for Diverse STEM Books 

To support your efforts in advancing early STEM learning with diverse books, choose books that represent a wide range of cultures, identities, and abilities, ensuring all children see themselves reflected in STEM literature. This promotes a sense of belonging and encourages all students to explore STEM fields. Additional resources include: 

• Melissa Stewart’s Nonfiction Reading Resources: Explore Melissa Stewart’s extensive collection of nonfiction books and resources tailored for young learners. Visit Melissa Stewart’s Website 
   
• Teresa Robeson’s Author Website: Discover Teresa Robeson’s award-winning books and her approach to integrating diverse people and STEM concepts. Visit Teresa Robeson’s Website 
   
• National Council of Teachers of English Position Statement: Read the NCTE’s position statement on the role of nonfiction literature in education. Read More 
   
• Thematic Reading Lists: Room to Read offers thematic reading lists that include diverse and inclusive books for various subjects, including STEM. Explore Reading Lists 

• Best STEM Books K–12 2024 | NSTA 

Watch the Webinar Recording 

If you missed the webinar or would like to revisit the discussions, you can watch the full recording here through the end of June. An edited version will be available ongoing.  

We are committed to fostering early literacy and STEM education through diverse books. By utilizing these practical tips and resources, you can help create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for young learners.  

What strategies have you found effective in promoting STEM learning with diverse books?  

Share your thoughts and experiences on social media – click one of the links below.  

The Brain’s Remarkable Growth

The early years are a period of rapid brain development. From birth to age three, a child’s brain grows to 80% of its adult size, forming more than a million neural connections every second. This growth sets the stage for lifelong learning and emotional health.

The Power of Early Experiences

Research tells us that early experiences significantly influence brain development. Positive interactions, such as reading together, talking, and playing, help build strong neural pathways that are crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development. 

Social-Emotional Development: The Heart of Learning

Social-emotional development is as critical as cognitive development in early childhood. Babies and toddlers learn about emotions and relationships through their interactions with caregivers. Consistent, nurturing relationships provide a safe and secure foundation, allowing children to explore their environment, develop empathy, and build resilience.

The Role of Reading in Early Development

Reading with children from an early age offers many benefits. It fosters a love of books, strengthens the parent-child bond, and supports emotional regulation and understanding. Through stories, children learn to recognize and manage emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build a sense of identity and empathy.

Supporting Early Literacy and Family Engagement 

At Raising a Reader, we understand the critical role early experiences play in a child’s development. Our programs are designed to empower families with the tools and knowledge to create enriching, literacy-rich environments. By sharing books and reading together, families can support their children’s cognitive and social-emotional growth, laying a strong foundation for future success.

Join Us in Celebrating 25 Years of Raising a Reader

This year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we invite you to join us in our mission. #We’reStrongerTogether

Research underscores the impact of the summer slide, with students potentially losing up to three months of reading progress. According to this article from Brookings, summer reading programs have been found to significantly raise reading test scores, especially when they blend academic learning with recreational activities, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to literacy development. Programs focusing on reading comprehension and fluency, showed the most substantial positive impacts, equivalent to boosting students from the 50th to the 65th percentile​​.

Engaging in summer reading also cultivates a broader vocabulary, crucial for academic success and personal growth. A daily reading routine exposes students to a significantly larger array of words, with a child reading twenty minutes a day at home encountering an average of 1.8 million words per year. Developing vocabulary is directly linked to literacy levels and the ability to comprehend complex texts​​.

Learn more about Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures Program:    https://raisingareader.org/super-summer-learning-adventures/

During the summer, the National Indian Head Start Director’s Association, Zone 1 sites, Raising a Reader, and a generous funder came together to support children learning during the summer to activate summer learning in the home and prepare children for the school year ahead. Together, we enabled 921 children to participate in Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA) program , supporting families to build, practice and grow reading routines with their children.

The journey began during the peak of the pandemic when we partnered with the Tribal Child Care Association of California. Together, we customized Raising a Reader’s SSLA program to cater specifically to tribal communities. The children and families received a specially curated book collection in which they could see themselves reflected in the stories and pages of the book, as identified by a culture committee representing tribal communities across the state.

Ms. Sarah Anderson, a teacher from the Spirit Lake Tribe’s Head Start program, expressed her enthusiasm: “Raising a Reader’s Super Summer Learning Adventures program was a game-changer for our little ones. The materials were engaging and culturally relevant, making learning exciting.  The children and their families loved it!”

A participating parent shared, “I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. It kept my child engaged and connected us through books. This program strengthened my child’s connection to their cultural roots with the special curated Tribal book collection.”

This collaboration showcases the incredible possibilities that can be achieved when organizations unite to support young children and their families. It is a testament to the power of radical collaboration, proving when hearts and minds come together, the impact on children’s lives can be immeasurable. Together, we built bridges and illuminated a path to a brighter future for the children we serve.

 “Collaborations like this one remind us that when we come together, we can create transformative experiences for our children and their families,” said Terri Stringer, Senior Manager National Indian Head Start Directors Association National Indian Head Start Director’s Association.

Welcome to #WeAreRaisinaReader, a social media campaign we’re launching to give you a peek behind the scenes at RAR and shine a light on our RAR team.  
 

In this campaign, we invite you to join us as we shine a light on the dedicated team and the impactful work, they do every day. Join us as we explore what’s happening behind-the-scenes and the passion driving Raising a Reader. 

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes and Highlighting Our Work 

At Raising a Reader, our work would not be possible without the remarkable individuals who make up our team. Through the #WeAreRaisingaReader campaign, we will introduce you to our team. You will get an insider’s perspective on their roles and the work they do every day — from Maryland to California and from the RAR warehouse to our home offices! 

Fun Facts and Favorites 

In addition to our work, we will share fun facts about our team members and their favorite things. Learn more about our backgrounds, hobbies, and interests. We believe that building community involves understanding the people behind the organization. 

Make sure you’re following us on all of our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn 

Together, we can ensure every child has the family support and reading skills they need to thrive.   

Pictured L-R: Lizzie Horner (Chief Of Staff); Jennifer Ford (Vice President, Finance and Operations); Rebecca Chrystal (Managing Director, Programs and Partnerships) Michelle Sioson Hyman (Senior Vice President, Programs and Partnerships); Tymisha Sweet (Senior Manager, Program and Affiliate Relation); Michelle Torgerson, (President and CEO) 

We combined that input with a robust discovery process to develop a new brand that reflects our evolution as a national organization with three programs. It aligns with our purpose and clearly conveys our community investment philosophy and our vision that every child has the family support and reading skills they need to thrive.   
 
We invite you to take a moment to learn more on our redesigned website.

This is an exciting time for our organization—our steady growth has brought Raising a Reader to many new places in more states across the US, new teammates, and pushed us in new innovative spaces. You’ll see that it’s not just our logo that is changing. We’ve changed our website, our social media, refined our messaging to better reflect the way we work with and support children, families and all of our amazing partners and investors. 
 
At Raising a Reader we will continue to live into our mission of supporting families and inspiring the development of literacy skills and a lifelong love for reading to help children attain brighter futures in which they can thrive and contribute in school, the workforce and society.  

Thank you for everything you do to make Raising a Reader a critical partner in creating brighter futures for all children by strengthening family bonds, and continuously striving to create a more equitable future for our children and our communities – regardless of race, culture, language, income or ability.  

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information! Until then, keep an eye on us as we continue our growth. 

After being nurtured from a local program rooted in the Bay Area to growing into a national organization reaching over 150,000 children ages 0-8 and their families across the nation each year, Raising a Reader is becoming an independent nonprofit organization. For more than two decades, Raising a Reader has been a “supporting organization” to Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), operating under the umbrella of the community foundation and supporting its mission.

Even as Raising a Reader becomes a nonprofit independent from SVCF, our shared values are rooted in equity and our two organizations will continue collaborating for the benefit of children and families.

Together we have supported nearly two million children and their families with Raising a Reader’s evidence-based programs that provide diverse award-winning books and the bilingual tools and training that facilitate early literacy milestones, serving the children in our communities who face the most vulnerable children.

We have enjoyed a warm and collaborative relationship with SVCF that will continue long into the future. We are so grateful for their guidance and stewardship as we have developed award-winning early literacy and family engagement programs that are proven to help build healthy brains and healthy shared reading habits that are so critical to raising readers.

“For over two decades, it has been our honor to support Raising a Reader and help foster its growth locally initially in San Mateo County and as the organization expanded its work nationally,” said Nicole Taylor, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. “We are proud to have been part of Raising a Reader’s journey, and we know that it will improve the lives of more children and families nationwide as it becomes a fully independent organization.”

And to the many generous SVCF donors who have directed gifts from their donor advised funds in support of Raising a Reader throughout our 23-year history, we thank you for your generous investment and we look forward to keeping you engaged and up to date with our progress as we continue to scale and serve even more children in the spaces and places where there is the greatest need for Raising a Reader.

“We are so grateful to Silicon Valley Community Foundation for our partnership. In this time, we have accomplished so much, including serving nearly two million children and families across the country and over 11,000 each year right here in Silicon Valley thanks to our tremendous partnerships with local donors and agencies, such as San Mateo County Public Library, our first ever Affiliate,” said Michelle Torgerson, Raising a Reader President and CEO. “We are excited about the future of Raising a Reader and confident in our ability to grow and scale our work in diverse communities across the nation.”

Raising a Reader’s transition to independent nonprofit status was effective as of January 1, 2023

VIEWING CHILDREN’S BOOKS THROUGH AN INTERSECTIONAL LENS

Guest author: Tymisha Sweet, RAR Senior Manager, Program and Affiliate Relations on a workshop she recently attended: Viewing Children’s Books Through an Intersectional Lens thanks to the Highlights Foundation.

I had the opportunity of joining children’s book educators, researchers, scholars, and storytellers: Dr. Laura M. Jiménez, Franki Sibberson, Clare Landrigan, Lynsey Burkins, and Grace Lin to develop the skills needed to analyze children’s books for meaningful representation, reader engagement, visual literacy, and more!

The entire workshop was amazing and really deepened my understanding on how to provide an equitable and inclusive approach when curating our book collection and book audit.

All children and families need and deserve to see themselves and people that look like them represented in the books they read. And it is our duty to provide culturally authentic mirrors and window books.

I learned that the most common ethnicity among authors is White, which makes up 79.4% of all authors. Comparatively, there are 7.2% of the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and 5.8% of the Black or African American ethnicity.

We have some work to do if we want to ensure representation by authors, for children and their families.

I learned a more discerning approach when looking at children’s books for the betterment of our families. With this new approach I will analyze illustrations, text, and author backgrounds to ensure books are meeting the needs of our families. Visual and verbal messages families see in books influence their ideas about themselves and others. It is very important to put on that instructional lens to ensure families can connect with books personally.
The workshop section led by Clare, Disrupting Nostalgia in Children’s Literature for the Classroom, was an eye opener.

In this workshop, we reviewed several favorite children’s books that we grew up loving to read with our new approach. We found that some of these nostalgic books can be problematic in a classroom, and they do not necessarily meet the needs for children today.

It is our priority to take a critical look and provide families with the best options and not the enjoyment of our past.

I am excited to put what I’ve learned to use as we continue to prioritize our book audit and our commitment to equity and inclusion across our work at Raising a Reader.

I know first-hand the positive impact a caring adult can make in the life of a child. ​ 

When I was little, we didn’t have access to a lot of books or resources. My parents had their own truck repair business, and I went to work with them every single day. My mom would read me stories from the newspaper each morning, and in the afternoons, you could find me in a truck bay with my dad, reading a Kelly Blue Book. The one-on-one time that we spent together helped to shape my life trajectory. ​ 

When I got to Kindergarten, I was curious and resilient, and over informed on the market value of used vehicles! And for the first time my family gained access to education enrichment programs which helped my academics soar.​

The first eight years of a child’s life are critical for setting them up for lifelong success. Unfortunately, not all children and families have access to a powerful system that helps families thrive and establish effective early learning practices. 

Children learn best through their everyday experiences with the people they love and trust, and when the learning is fun. Raising a Reader’s three programs supports building healthy relationships through these everyday experiences by providing the tools and resources for families to develop, practice, and maintain home literacy routines.

Building book sharing routines supports a child’s development, builds special connections that are critical to brain development and helps children develop their sense of belonging and community—especially when they see themselves reflected in the books they are reading. And they are more likely to excel academically, contributing to narrowing the opportunity gap created by systemic racial injustice.​ 

​Raising a Reader also strengthens the family and school relationships and increasing family engagement opportunities. Family engagement—in schools, childcare centers and other places and spaces—contributes to positive student outcomes, including improved child achievement, decreased disciplinary issues, improved parent-teacher and teacher-student relationships, and improved school environment. 

Learn more about Raising a Reader.

By Michelle Torgerson, President and CEO, Raising a Reader

Can we talk about Bruno?! Is Encanto’s soundtrack playing on loop at your house? It is at mine, and we almost have all the songs memorized!

The movie tells the story of the Madrigal family as they navigate their special powers within their community. So many people—young and old—are feeling seen and represented by characters in the movie.

At Raising a Reader (RAR), we are committed to ensuring our book library provides books that serve as mirrors and windows for all of the children we serve every day. We’ve developed a one-of-a-kind, multi-lingual book collection and curriculum that puts equity and diversity at the center. 

As part of our commitment to racial equity and belonging, RAR understands that we must value, respect and support all cultures and ethnicities.

Please join us and our partners at Too Small to Fail and National Black Child Development Institute on February 3 for a virtual conversation – Writing a New Chapter: Advancing Diversity in Children’s Books, a virtual conversation at 10:30 a.m P.T. | 12:30 p.m. C.T. | 1:30 p.m. ET.

Register today: https://lnkd.in/gCpWuHWc

Tune in LIVE on Facebook: : https://lnkd.in/gCYSvaFg

Panelists will discuss:   

The state of diversity in children’s books 
Why diverse representation is critical for identity development 
Innovative efforts to promote diverse children’s literature 
Concrete steps to take action

Hear from panelists including: 
K.T. Horning, Director, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Shabazz Larkin, artist, writer, and author of The Thing About Bees

Dr. Iheoma Iruka, Founding Director, Equity Research Action Coalition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Philip Lee, Co-Founder, and Publisher, Readers to Eaters

Cynthia Leitich Smith, 2021 NSK Neustadt Laureate; children’s YA writer; author-curator of the Native-centered Heartdrum Imprint, HarperCollins Children’s Books  

Amongst other amazing leaders in the space! 

Do you remember the first book your mom shared with you? I have vivid memories of my mom sharing my favorite book about a beagle puppy named Bruno. While to many, the story was simply a day in the life of a typical dog. To me, it was a story about learning new things for the first time, meeting new friends, and going on adventures, if only as far as the backyard. What made this story so special to me was not the dog, but the snuggle time I had with my mom. She made each page come to life and I never felt so safe and full of wonder. It’s amazing what mom and a good book can do.

At Raising a Reader, we work tirelessly to empower moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles and other important adults in a child’s life to bring stories to life through shared reading. Many families we serve lack the resources and/or time to visit their local library on a regular basis, especially if they are in a single parent home, teen mom, or working full-time jobs. It is through support from donors like you that we can cycle 100 books into a home, provide families with book sharing tips, and help them develop new reading habits for years to come.

This Mother’s Day, we are asking you to remember your mom and other influential women in your life who shared a story with you. Consider honoring her with a tribute donation. Your gift will not only provide books, but will give another child a special moment with their mom that will live with them forever.

My focus in this post is to show parents and guardians how a slight modification in the language that we normally use during read alouds can have a powerful impact. Let me introduce a tried-but-true strategy called a think aloud. As the name implies, a think aloud is when a proficient reader thinks through a process out loud. They literally talk through the thinking, planning, and actions that they are using. A think aloud is a quick explanation of what is going on in our mind as we read. As parents, we use think alouds all the time – perhaps without even knowing the formal name for them. We verbalize our thinking as a strategy to teach life skills. As I was skiing with my young daughter, I used a think aloud to model my (not-so-effective) effort to descend a slope. I thought aloud with comments like, “I see an icy patch right there, so I’ll be careful to avoid it” and “If I feel like I’m picking up speed too quickly, I’ll remember to snowplow to slow myself down.” And thought I have certainly not a proficient skier, my thought process gave her enough guidance to ease her down the mountain. Perhaps you think aloud as you teach your teenager to drive (“I need to check my blind spot as I merge”). Maybe you think aloud while you teach your first grader to tie his shoelaces (“Next, I know I need to make two loops.”) As I encourage you to think aloud while reading with your child, I will offer you some concrete ideas on how to do so successfully.

First, prepare your child for the thinking that you are about to do. Kids are used to parents asking them questions about a book, but in a think aloud you talk through your thoughts. So tell them, “As I read, I’m going to talk through all of the thinking I’m doing while I read”. Sometimes to be really explicit on when I am thinking aloud, I give a child a visual cue. I might point to my temple and tap it so show that the words that they hear are the thoughts in my mind, not the print in the text.

Next, jumpstart your think alouds with “I” language. These “I “ statements – as in, “I wonder if the author means…” and “I’m going to reread…” are the clearest way to give a model of the reading comprehension strategies that we are proficient readers do. It is with this “I” language that our children understand the active processes that adults use to understand a text. Through “I” language, children begin to see how to apply reading strategies to their independent reading. More specifically, try some of these:

• I wonder…
• I’m guessing that…
• I was confused by…
• It surprised me…
• Now I understand…
• I wish I could ask the author…

Next, use that “I” language to talk through the places that might be confusing in a text. Kids need to see how what proficient readers do when they are confused. Points of confusion might be unfamiliar vocabulary, abstract or confusing sentences, or places that require a reader to make an inferences (or ‘read between the lines’). You might say, “I didn’t understand this part at first, so I had to reread.” Our children need to see that making meaning from a text is an active process.

Finally, be selective. Not every read aloud requires a think aloud. Simple decodable texts like Brown Bear, Brown Bear don’t require an ongoing model of our thinking. In the texts that you do use for think alouds, I usually think aloud 6-8 times in a typical storybook. Keep them short and sweet! A think aloud is one or two sentences – not an entire conversation!

Your goal with think alouds is to provide less savvy readers with a play-by-play of what you – as a skilled reader – think while reading. When parents and guardians think aloud at home, we better prepare our children for the academic tasks that they will encounter in school.