How to do a read aloud using Pete the Cat: Falling for Autumn  

Reading aloud is a fun and engaging way to introduce and practice theme vocabulary and language concepts to children with hearing loss. There are a variety of useful strategies that make for an effective read aloud. Here are some tried and true read aloud tips using one of our favorite books, “Pete the Cat: Falling for Autumn” by Kimberly and James Dean.   

• Before you begin, skim the story to see what vocabulary words the child might not recognize and questions to ask during the story. Considering target vocabulary and concepts beforehand sets you up for success!  
• To have a fun and engaging read aloud, choose an area with minimal distractions and noise.
• Start by introducing the title, author and illustrator. Identify these for the child and describe the difference between each.
• As you read the story you want to focus on:   
  • New vocabulary
    • Ex: Fall, feeling ‘blue’, pumpkin pie, spicy, corn maze, knitting, hayride, autumn
    • Talk about each vocabulary word along with the picture as they come up. Emphasize these words throughout the story.
  • Comprehension questions
    • Read the words on the page or just describe the pictures depending on the child’s language level. While reading, ask your planned questions, “Who is making the pumpkin pie?” or “What did Pete take from the corn maze?”   
    • Ask questions that pertain exactly to what you just read to be sure the child is following along and understanding.
  • Prediction questions
    • A few pages into the story, begin asking prediction questions like, “What do you think Grandpa is knitting?” or “Where do you think they’re going in the wagon?”      

Read alouds are important to help build a strong foundation in early literacy skills in children with hearing loss. Research shows there is a correlation in vocabulary development and reading skills, so we want to increase exposure as much as we can (Lee, 2009). Plus, reading aloud builds a child’s love for books and reading!   

Alexandra Webb is a deaf education teacher in the Anabeth and John Weil Early Childhood Center at CID – Central Institute for the Deaf. She received her master’s degree in deaf education through the Program in Audiology and Communications Sciences (PACS) at Washington University. This is her fifth year teaching and she has experience working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing ages 18 months to 6 years old.