Reading My Work Aloud

Did you know that reading your writing out loud is one of the most powerful things a writer can do? Your ears hear things your eyes miss — a missing word, a sentence that sounds wrong, or a place where you need to pause.

Why read aloud?

• Your ear catches missing words that your eye skips over.
• If a sentence sounds odd or confusing, it probably needs fixing.
• Reading aloud helps you feel the rhythm and flow of your writing.

How to read aloud well

• Slow down — do not rush. Read each word carefully.
• Use expression — read exciting sentences with energy, and calm sentences quietly.
• Pause at punctuation — stop briefly at a period, pause lightly at a comma, and lift your voice at a question mark.
• Point to each word as you say it — this helps you not skip any.

Reading to a listener

• Ask a parent, sibling, or stuffed animal to listen!
• Look up at your listener sometimes — good readers connect with their audience.
• When you are done, ask: "Did my writing make sense?"