3-2-1 TUESDAYS WITH MS NIV

Issue #200, 7th May 2024

Does reading aloud help in language development? Does reading aloud help in auditory processing? Does reading around promote cognitive skills? Do you think it would help with emotional and social development? What about the role of reading aloud in Brain connectivity – the integration of regions including those responsible for language, visual processing, auditory processing, and memory? and do you think it adds to the motivation and enjoyment of children? if your answer is yes to any/all of the above, read on. Don’t forget to subscribe 🙂

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Three images of the week

Two Thoughts of the Week

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” — Frederick Douglass

“So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.” — Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

One Video of the Week

Speaking is already in our genes. But reading is not. Until about 100 years ago most people didn’t do it all. When we read fiction especially, we create new pathways in our brain. Reading 30 pages of fiction every night, gets the pathways thicker and thicker. Our brain needs a workout just like our body.

Rita Carter is a writer, broadcaster and journalist who specializes in the workings of the human brain. Her books include the first layman’s guide to neuroscience: Mapping the Mind, which has been translated into 14 languages. For seven years she presented London’s nightly news programme, “Thames News” , and has written for magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including the London Times, Telegraph, Guardian and New Scientist. She has a deep interest in bringing art and science together and is a Patron at the influential London-based Foundation “Art and Mind”. Rita Carter is a writer, broadcaster and journalist who specializes in the workings of the human brain. Her books include the first layman’s guide to neuroscience: Mapping the Mind, which has been translated into 14 languages.

For seven years she presented London’s nightly news programme, “Thames News” , and has written for magazines and newspapers throughout the world, including the London Times, Telegraph, Guardian and New Scientist. She has won many awards for her work, including, on three occasions, the Medical Journalists Association award for excellence and she holds an Honorary PhD in Brain science from Leuven University – one of Europe’s oldest academic institutions

Guest Expert of the Week

Reading with Ms. Meenu

Expressive Oral Reading:

Each of us has our own read-aloud style, and that’s okay. When I’m reading aloud, I think to myself, if I want these kids to love books, this performance has to rival the latest hit movie they are watching. After all, reading aloud, like acting or storytelling, is a performance art. It takes time and intentional practice to get even better. The following are a few qualities of a read-aloud performance that will enrich the experience for your students.

·         Match your tone of voice to the mood of the text: When you think about the mood of the text consider the author’s purpose. How does the author want the reader to feel while experiencing the book? For example, I read Ryan Higgin’s rollicking books about Bruce the Grumpy Bear in a humorous and silly tone (except when Bruce is grouchy!). On the other hand, I read Jane Yolen’s (1987) quiet book Owl Moon in a peaceful, childlike tone.

·         Vary your pitch: When reading like a small, weak character you might choose a high pitch. When reading like a big, strong like a big, strong character you could use a low pitch.

·         Use pacing, pauses, and volume for dramatic effect: When suspense is building, slow your pace, quiet your voice, and insert long, drawn out pauses. On the flip side, as excitement mounts or a chase ensues raise the volume and pick up your pace.

·         Read rhyming texts and poetry with rhythm:  I often find myself tapping my toes to help me keep the rhythm going as I read rhyming books like The Gruffalo or Doris the Bookasaurus. Reading is just like singing along to your favorite tunes. Some songs are uplifting and others make you cry. 

Happy Reading!

Meenu Gera

Consulting home and school librarian and reading guide.

Dear reader,
I have been a research scientist, a journalist, and an educator for over 3 decades. I read and, I write. With this weekly newsletter, I share what I read, learn, and, experience. At the same time, I engage with students, parents, and teams of teachers across K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and ed-tech organizations.

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