I’ve heard that reading aloud every night is good, but I wonder what kind of effect it actually has. I think there are many people who continue to do so while thinking this way. Japanese picture books are difficult to obtain overseas, and the number of books you can have at home is limited. You may be wondering if there is any meaning in reading all the same books. This time, we will discuss the skills that can be developed through reading aloud and how to choose picture books.
1. Developing skills through reading aloud
The first big thing isExpanding your vocabularyis. Daily conversations focus on the “now,” but picture books contain words that don’t come up in everyday life, such as seasonal words, words that express feelings, and phrases from folk tales. In an environment where exposure to Japanese is limited, this difference directly translates into a difference in vocabulary. next,Ability to follow the storyis. By repeatedly listening to a story with a beginning, middle, and end, children will develop a sense of seeing events in order, which will serve as a foundation for constructing their own stories. moreover,Experience of imagining the feelings of the charactersor,Attitude to sit and listen to the endalso grows naturally. Above all, the time spent reading the book will remain as a pleasant memory. Japanese is “happy time words” may have the greatest effect in the long run.
2. Often seen during reading aloud
・I always want to read the same picture books
・I keep turning the pages and can’t read to the end.
・Even if I release a picture book in Japanese, I bring an English book.
・He doesn’t like it when I point to the letters and try to make him read them.
All of them are things you don’t need to worry about. When you read the same book over and over again, you are checking the content and making the words your own, and on days when you can’t read the book to the end, just talking while looking at the pictures is very meaningful.
3. How do children’s club’s courses for 3- and 4-year-olds develop listening skills?
The people working during the reading are:Listen and imagine it in your head“It’s power. In the classroom, we treat this differently than picture books. 3 year old courseSound destinationis an activity in which children guess what a sound is by relying only on their ears. Imagine things that cannot be seen with the naked eye and express them in words. It’s very similar to how your mind works when listening to a page without pictures. Your ability to remember what you hear will also grow here. In the 4 year old course (N2),Practice expressing what you heard in your own wordsOverlap. At this stage, there is a distance between what you can say and what you can understand and use, and the experience of saying the words correctly, right down to the last part, will help your child make the words they hear their own. Reading aloud can be done at home, but it is difficult to create a place where children can listen to the same story together with their peers and discuss their feelings. From the side of the reader to the side of the listener and the person who responds. Through this back and forth, you will learn the language in a way that you can use it.
4. How to choose picture books
The criteria for selection is based on current interests rather than age. As a guide, you can choose from the following options:
Around 3 years old
Picture books with repetitive stories and rhythmic words are suitable. Books with many onomatopoeic and mimetic words can be enjoyed just by saying them out loud.
Around 4 to 5 years old
You will be able to enjoy stories and folk tales. Picture books that deal with seasons and events can also serve as an introduction to Japanese culture.
From around 6 years old
Slightly longer stories, picture books, and knowledge books will also be added. You don’t have to stop reading aloud even if you start reading on your own.
Even if the number of books is limited, there is no need to force yourself to increase the number. If you repeat a small number of books, the words will stick better. There is also a way to select them all at once when you return home. There is no need to worry about how to read well. Trying to get feedback can turn a fun time into a test. Listen when your child starts talking, and that’s enough. Even if only one person at home reads Japanese, the value of that time remains the same.
FAQ
Q. Should I read it every day?
A. Frequency rather than length. Words will stick if you spend even 5 minutes every day. However, even if there are days when you can’t read, the things you’ve accumulated won’t disappear, so don’t worry too much.
Q. My child always wants to read the same picture book. Should I write a new book?
A. It’s fine as is. By reading the words repeatedly, children learn the words and make them their own. When you ask, “What’s on the next page?” you may be surprised at what words you remember.
Q. I only bring English books. Is it better to use only Japanese?
A. Both are fine. The purpose of reading aloud is to help children find the book enjoyable. Then, if you decide to read one Japanese book before going to bed, it will be easier to continue reading.
Q. Until what age should I continue?
A. You can continue reading even if you can read it on your own. This is because the level of a story that you can listen to and understand is higher than the level that you can read on your own.
Conclusion
Reading aloud is not just a teaching material, but a fun time spent together as a parent and child. The effects will only come over time. The days when I read it well and the days when I finished it halfway are equally meaningful. If you’re having trouble choosing a picture book, we’ll give you recommendations based on your child’s age and interests. You can also see free materials to see what students are doing in the classroom at the same time.