Not just reading but sharing
Reading picture books is rather significantly different from reading longer books (‘chapter books’ and full novels). Fairly obviously so, because in picture books a significant part of the story, and perhaps an even bigger part of its impact, is carried by the pictures as much as the text.
For most picture books, ‘reading’ involves an intimate mixture of reading the words, showing, and probably talking about, the pictures too. It may be more helpful to think of what we do in Story Time as ‘sharing’ rather than simply ‘reading’ a picture book. In fact, it is perfectly possible to ‘read’, and even to ‘read’ aloud, a book that is all pictures and no text at all.
The exact balance of reading, showing and talking, is very difficult to quantify. Some books are more picture dependent than others. In many, the pictures will complement the text, but in others they may extend it considerably, or even communicate something quite different altogether. Following The Golden Rule (Tips 1) will help you decide on what is needed to share a particular picture book most effectively. However, the most important thing is to remember that the priority is for the children to follow and enjoy a story. You do need to allow the children to respond - and react to their responses. But too much going off at a tangent (or allowing the children to do so) can be unhelpful.
Grouping
With picture books, therefore, it is obviously important for the children to be able to see the pictures as well as hear the text read aloud. Most teachers develop a technique for holding the book so the children can see it, whilst they, the teacher, can (just about!) read the text at the same time. It is rather awkward, but as teachers of young children you are very adaptable. Again, having read the book yourself beforehand does help, so you at least know the gist of what’s coming.
Even so, it can be hard for a full class to see properly. So with the youngest classes, I think it is worth considering grouping for Story Time, if you are in the fortunate position of having a TA and/or other staff to help you. In this case you may want to pitch different books for different groups, although there are some big advantages in all the children hearing the same story or stories, even if it is in rotation . (See Tips 5)
If you can’t do groups, then you can’t. Unfortunately, I don’t think it is satisfactory for you, working alone, to have a different Story Time group each day, as each individual group of children would simply not have enough. It really should be every day for all children.
Again and again
It is very common for children to ask for the same picture book/story to be repeated, sometimes many times. I suggest that generally you indulge this. Children would not ask unless they were getting something important out of it, not least the comfort of familiarity. However, it is equally important to mix in new and different things.
Many of the ‘Tips 5’ also apply to young classes and picture books.
