Appropriate grades or age groups:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School

Estimated time to complete activity or implement technique:
5 minutes

Materials needed (if applicable):
Cassette recorder
A Favorite book or short story
Blank Tape

Activity set-up/instructions or description of technique:
Experiement with your child, as to how to use the recorder. Make up funny sounds, says funny things, such as something his/her favorite carton character would say. After the child hears your voice saying something funny, let them try. Rewind and let them hear!

Other suggestions or comments:
After reading the first short story or chapter, praise the child. Then you and the child take the tape to each family member and let them hear the child actually reading. After this, you will see marked improvements and a eagerness to read the next story, book or chapter. Children love hearing their own voice.