One of the most rewarding events that has occurred in teaching my own children and others is when letters and sounds letters go from just symbols on a page to actual words that have meaning. I think it is as exciting as the first steps a child takes when they begin walking. The world opens up and there is no stopping a reader after that!

The process of reading can be arduous for all involved. 😦  I like to find books that will help you and your child as you go through the reading process and help provide reading independence. You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You is a series that you and your young reader share together. You read one portion of a short story and  your child reads the other portion. There are even times where you read parts of the book together. This is known as choral reading and is one language arts standard that is covered in primary grades. I think this is important since reading takes a lot of “brain power” and can be overwhelming, plus it’s fun!

This series can be used in several ways. You can have two of your children take turns reading aloud; a child and an adult take turns; or an advanced and beginner reader alternate reading the text. The selections are not for the student who is just beginning to read, but rather for a student who is ready for  more than simple sentences such as, “See Spot Run.” These books are a bridge to chapter books for students in grades 2-3 with a collection of poems and 2 page stories that include rhythm, rhyming, and repetition; all techniques that give young readers confidence they need to succeed. I have only featured three books in this series so if you like what you see there are several more to enjoy. Another bonus is that I picked them up at the library and  some of them are American Library Notable books they should be easy to find at your library. Happy reading!

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You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read  Together, by Mary Ann Hoberman are modern-day nursery rhymes that have catchy phrases and fun pictures.

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You:Very Short Fairy Tales to Read Together, by Mary Ann Hoberman include tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Little Red Hen with some surprise plot twists and endings.

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fables to Read Together, by Mary Ann Hoberman is a retelling of the classic Aesop’s fables that you and your reader are sure to enjoy.

** I have been “field testing” these books for the past 3 weeks and the girls I am tutoring love these books!