The K-3 students and I took 2 weeks to finish reading "The Twits" by Roald Dahl. Storytime was a special treat to the children. I would read to them for 15-20 minutes before the end of every Reading class. They didn't like the idea of picture-less books at first, but they soon began to love Dahl's "The Twits". Soon enough, I've had protests of "No, we want to hear you read some more" whenever I tell them that time is up and we will need to finish it another day (and another day and another). Reading chapter books to young children is actually a great activity because kids at this age use their listening comprehension more than their reading comprehension. What's more... 1. Chapter books will build on a love for reading. 2. Kids will gain an even greater appreciation for the written word. 3. Chapter books force children to practice patience. It would be impossible to read a 300 page book in one sitting. With chapter books you are often forced to press pause on something so exciting. |
5. Language, language, language. Chapter books use descriptive words to replace pictures. Therefore, new vocabulary can be learned and the children's imagination will be allowed for development and progress. Our Creative Writing activity after completion of "The Twits" allowed for the children to use the new vocabulary they've learned in their own writing.