Engage Young Readers (E4.3.3)
Sub Category: Emergent Literacy: Reading and Writing
Credential Level: Level 2 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Encourages child participation in read-aloud (pauses to allow children to ask questions or make comments, allows children to join in on repeated parts, sound effects)
DEFINITIONS
Teachers invite children to join in during story time by pausing for questions, letting them repeat phrases, or make sound effects. This keeps children engaged and helps them feel like part of the story. Actively including children in read-aloud can help build their listening, speaking, and memory skills.
EXAMPLES
Engage Young Readers
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher engages toddlers in an interactive read-aloud. Notice how the teacher encourages children to participate by talking about the illustrations, pausing for their responses, and inviting them to act out parts of the story, an example of encouraging child participation in read-alouds.
Engage Young Readers
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher reads Brown Bear, Brown Bear with enthusiasm as she sits with a group of infants. She pauses to invite their comments, points to the pictures, and encourages them to join in on the repeated phrases—showcasing how interactive read-alouds support children’s participation and engagement.
Engage Young Readers
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a Pre‑K teacher reads a story with a small group of children gathered close to the book. She pauses to let them share their thoughts and ask questions, and she invites them to lean in to explore the pictures—demonstrating how intentional read‑aloud practices encourage children to participate and stay engaged.