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United Way of King County is thrilled to have committed, highly qualified Volunteer Readers who understand the importance of having a caring adult read to kids on a regular basis as a way to build pre-literacy skills. Our volunteers know first-hand that the kids not only benefit from reading with adults, but they also love it. Even so, it can sometimes be challenging to keep a child's attention. Following is a compilation of tips from our Volunteer Readers on what's worked for them:

1. Provide the children with access to a large selection of books. Do not assume every child will like the four or five books that you pre-selected. Allow the children to explore and choose books that capture their attention and imagination. If you're ready to branch out beyond the books United Way has provided, ask the site's teachers or director if it's okay to use their books or books that you bring from the library. Be sure to have each new book approved by a teacher or director. Visit our recommended reading section for book ideas.
2. Pay attention to what interests each child. Give each child the opportunity to talk about the pictures and tell you what is going on in the book. Do not feel as if you have to read every word.
3. Ask the children to predict what is next in the story. Allow them to talk and use their imagination.
4. Allow the kids to hold the book and turn the pages.
5. Compare the book to the real world. Are any of the experiences, characters, or settings familiar to the children?
6. Use different voices and tones when reading to children. Try out a deep voice, soft voice, squeaky voice, whisper. Encourage the kids to imitate you. They love that!
7. Be active together. Use gestures, and let the children move around and act out parts to make the book come alive.
8. Let the children hold the book and "read" themselves. Let the children repeat what you say as if they were reading themselves. This can help boost the preschooler's confidence.
9. Use visual aides. Children love props, such as finger puppets, felt boards, scarves, etc.
10. Most importantly, have FUN!!! Kids are extremely sensitive to your mood and level of engagement.

Thanks to all of our Volunteer Readers for their contributions, dedication and hard work!