Yes, there really is a free oral vaccine for literacy. It is reading aloud. No, not reading. Reading aloud. Because, in order to become a reader (and a lifelong reader) you have to hear the words – first – over and over again.
When hearing those words becomes a pleasure, like the constant sound of the ocean, the magic has begun. And those words grow more words. And you fall in love with words, the sound of words.
You look at words and pictures in books that are read to you and make a connection with the printed word. By the time you are six, you are eager to read those words on your own. And you do. You do well in school, too. All of those words you have heard for years contributed to your academic success. You love reading books on your own, yet you still enjoy reading aloud.
People would stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars if there were a pill that could do everything for a child that reading aloud does. It expands their interest in books, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention span. Simply put, it’s a free “oral vaccine” for literacy.
-Jim Trelease-
This is the most important thing I have learned in my 35 years of teaching. As such, the priority in my classroom is reading aloud. My picture books are front facing and always available to children. I read aloud picture books and chapter reading books. I tell stories. I am pouring words into the heads of children. We laugh, cry, and wonder together. We have discussions that feel like a third grade classroom. Words. Reading aloud. It works. It’s the free oral vaccine. Thank you, Jim Trelease.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
100% agree!!!
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You have proven that completely, Jennie. We only have to read your blog to see how successful it is.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. 🙂 Best to you.
I couldn’t agree more. As seen in my most recent post I would love to be able to do more reading aloud. As it is I am grateful that the Sussex Coast Talking news gives me the opportunity to record for partially sighted and blind adults but reading to children, acting the parts as my father used to, is something I miss greatly.It’s no good doing it at a distance. One needs to be with the child or children to see their reactions. Also,saying anything out loud helps the memory. I sometimes tell hubby something just so it sticks. Old age aint fun!
How wonderful to read aloud to adults who don’t have the eyesight to read on their own. I would love to do that! Perhaps when I retire I can add that to my plate. Acting out the parts, reading with a voice, having children see your face when you read are all key parts of reading in the classroom. Yes, old age ain’t fun, but as long as I have the breath to read aloud, it’s a good thing. Thanks so much, Julie.
I am glad I was given that vaccine as a child!
Lucky you! I dearly wish I’d been given the vaccine as a child. But, it’s never too late. 😀
What a wonderful expression: “Oral vaccine” is.And how true! x
I love it, too. Thank you to Jim Trelease for that expression. 😀 He is the guru of Reading Aloud. Best to you, Joy.
You know that I fully support this, Jennie!
I do, Dan. 🙂
Reading out loud is like a magic potent for the reader and the listener. I had a demanding career and often got home late but I always read to my kids before bed. It gave us some valuable time together and calmed me down too after a long day. My now-adult children remember those times fondly.
That’s wonderful to hear, Darlene. I think too many parents look upon reading at bedtime as a chore, especially after a long, hard day at work. If they only knew that they would get as much joy as their child in hearing the words. Yes, it is the magic potent! 😀
That’s a very fitting term for it.
It really is! Thanks, Anneli.
A great post, Jennie. I like being read to and listen to lots of audio books while I do things like driving and baking. I always read to my kids and Michael listens to audio books too.
You are the gold star mother for reading aloud to your children, Robbie. I wish every child had a mother like you.
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Robbie.
Some of the best moments of my teaching career involved reading to my students. I loved that magical phrase, “Don’t stop,” when the twenty minutes were up. I still treasure those times reading to my son when he was a child.
I know! Oh, how I know! “Don’t stop” are two precious, beautiful words. And look at your son now. Pat yourself on the back, Pete.
If you approach your library to read aloud, like I did, they will be thrilled, and it will be the most fulfilling thing since teaching. Even better, you’ll open the doors of imagination for children. Okay, I will stop nudging…🙂
Thanks for the idea, Jinnie. I am seriously going to give it some thought.
That’s great, Pete. And, you’re welcome.
Jim Trelease is another wise man. I wasn’t read to often but as luck would have it, the reading came in two languages. I think that was how my love of words started. My children love reading too because I read to them. Then I had them read to me aloud. I wish, oh how I wish, more parents would take the time. Thank you for this.
He is a wise man, indeed!! Hearing him speak and being a big fan of his book will always be some of my most important moments. And then he came to my school to hear me read aloud. Can you imagine? I wasn’t read or as a child, either. How wonderful for you to have that reading come in two languages! Did your little sister embrace both languages, too? How is she doing? I loved the stories you wrote about the two of you when you were both little. My love of words really started when my children were little and I read aloud. It was fun to begin with the books I knew and remembered, like Millions of Cats and The Little House (pretty much that’s the end of the list, sadly). I remember our first trip to the library when we moved to Groton, MA. The book on display – Jumanji -our kindergarten daughter had just heard from her teacher. And our preschooler son wanted The Runaway Bunny. That began a lifelong love affair with reading aloud and the public library. I’m so glad you had similar reading aloud experiences with your children, Marlene. Like you I dearly wish parents would take the time to read to their kids. They would be surprised at how much they enjoyed it, too.
I was the only one of 4 to get the benefit of a bilingual upbringing. My sister is now on oxygen full time and struggling but still cheerful most of the time. She is trying to get on the transplant list. I’ve opted out. I have no desire to go through all of that. So far, I’m doing pretty well, comparatively.
Story reading time was when my children told me all their troubles and pleasures of the day. My favorite time of day. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister, Marlene. It makes one take stock of how lucky they are. I know what you mean about story reading time being the best time of day. It feels natural to flow from the words of a book to the words of your child. Lovely times!
The best medicine for sure. Good one, Jennie.
It definitely is! Thank you, John.
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Thanks so much, Jennie & Jim Trelease! We’re on to it! 🙂 SHARING!
Thanks, Bette. 🙂
What a great quote, and I totally agree. It’s so simple and yet incredibly powerful, and it tastes better than kale!
I think the phrase is perfect, too. And much better than kale. 🙂
Jennie, thank you so much for this essential message.
You are welcome, Charles!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is an essential post on reading from Jennie, the wonderful teacher!
Thank you so much, Charles!
You have written it from a place in our hearts that is tender and capable of attracting attention of new readers. It is such a beautiful approach to learning the beauty of a language consisting of words that we sometimes take for granted. Maybe if your approach was a foundation for more children’s education, we would have awakened many more poets and writers as they would express themselves while also mastering comprehension of each word.
Thank you.
Reading, and the love of reading, are two great gifts you’re bestowing. Reminds me the George R R Martin “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. […] The man who never reads lives only one.”
I love that quote! And, thank you.
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Thank you, Sally!
Loved the whole post Jennie, and especially the term – oral vaccine for reading! ❤
I liked the term “oral vaccine” as well!
Thanks, Debby. Jim Trelease hit the nail on the head brilliantly! 😍
In my own case, hearing book, stories, and poems read aloud throughout my childhood and early adolescence has had a big impact on my writing. I write poetry by ear, and I edit fiction by ear as well.
Your childhood is proof, a case in point. Thanks, Liz
Love this post, Jennie your love of reading and teaching shines through… My favourite is reading to my grandkids nearly always the same story although it does get changed up a bit everytime I read… Mickey Monkey is etched on all our brains… Lol x
Thank you so much,Carol. Your memories are a treasure. All it takes ⎌is one book. 😍
Thank you as you revived my memories…Yes, just book you are correct, Jennie 🙂 xx
My pleasure, Carol. 🙂
Totally agree too, Jennie! Thank you for remembering, and best wishes for a beautiful weekend! Michael
Thank you, Michael! Happy weekend to you!
Thank you too, Jennie! Have a beautiful weekend too. MIchael
You’re welcome, Michael. 🙂
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A kid who isn’t read to is a deprived kid.
Yes! YES!!
Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
Every child should have the wonder of being read to. Not to have that is to be deprived.
Thank you, Opher!
I wanted to reblog this, but alas you don’t have a reblog button. I will share on FB.
Oral vaccine works for me too, Jennie!
And for me! Thank you, John.