Raising an Active Reader - by Samantha Cleaver (Paperback)

About the Book

Raising an Active Reader makes clear for parents and teachers of children grade K-3 the process of learning to read and what adults can do to encourage robust language, comprehension, and vocabulary in their children. It provides fun examples, clear explanations, and ideas for...

Book Synopsis

"This book will prove a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians on the vital topic of reading aloud." Library Journal, Starred Review

Parents and teachers know that reading aloud to children is important, and many parents of infants and toddlers read aloud to them daily. However, when children start to read on their own, parents often stop reading aloud. But these early elementary school years are actually a perfect time to build vocabulary and comprehension skills through reading aloud and Active Reading.

Raising an Active Reader makes clear the process of learning to read, how Active Reading fits into raising strong readers, and what adults can do to encourage strong language, comprehension, and vocabulary in children in grades K-3. This book extends on the ABCs of Active Reading (Ask Questions, Build Vocabulary, and make Connections) as they apply to older children for picture books, chapter books, and novels. It provides parents and teachers with examples, clear explanations, and ideas for making one-on-one or small group read aloud sessions a powerful way to build children's early literacy and language skills, all while creating a lifelong love of reading.

Review Quotes

"Cleaver asserts that many parents stop reading aloud to their kids when the children start reading on their own. However, the elementary years prove one of the most beneficial times for reading aloud since vocabulary and comprehension skills are developed through Active Reading and reading aloud. The ABCs of active reading (ask questions, build vocabulary, and make connections) are here applied to these crucial years in skill development. To engage learners there are lists of questions for before, during, and after reading. In addition, the author shares how to practice active reading skills in various genres: nonfiction, fiction, first chapter books, and picture books. A special section explores how to help struggling readers by using such techniques as modeling how to visualize, using wordless picture books, keeping realistic goals, and celebrating strengths. The appendixes contain book lists organized by category and answers to frequently asked questions. This book will prove a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians on the vital topic of reading aloud. With many titles geared toward reading aloud to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, this helpful work will be ideal for school libraries." --Library Journal, Starred Review

"This book is an easy read for parents and teachers who want to inspire children to love to read. Samantha Cleaver shares the simple ABC steps of Active Reading, and addresses how to keep reading pleasurable, how to decide what to read, and how to help children become critical thinkers as they read more. All parents and teachers will be inspired by this book." --Ellen McIntyre, dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at the University of Tennessee, and former dean of the College of Education at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

"This is the book I wish we had when our children were in elementary school! It not only explains how kids learn to read but also what parents can do at home to help build vital reading skills--vocabulary and comprehension--through Active Reading. This book will quickly become your go-to guide to turn every bedtime or any reading session into a fun, engaging, and impactful time." --Munro Richardson, executive director of Read Charlotte

About the Author

Samantha Cleaver, PhD, studied read aloud and developed Active Reading during her work with Read Charlotte, a community-wide initiative to double the number of students reading on grade level by 3rd grade in Mecklenburg County, NC. She holds a doctorate in special education with a focus on literacy interventions from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.