The website Reading is Fundamental states "reading aloud is the best way to prepare children for learning to read and to keep them reading as they learn and grow." Reading aloud to your child helps your child develop important language and listening skills and helps your child develop a love of reading.
Reading Books to Kids
Step 1
Choose a book that is age appropriate for the child. If your child is about 2 or younger, choose a picture book that has colorful and striking illustrations. For an older child, choose a story that suits her interests. If she loves animals, choose a story with animals as the main characters.
Step 2
Pick a quiet spot to read to your child. Many parents prefer reading to a child in bed as part of the sleep ritual. A comfy sofa or a park bench on a sunny day works equally well.
Step 3
Choose a reading time when your child is focused and calm. If your child has been running around all day, perhaps offer him a bath or cup of cocoa to soothe him before you begin to read.
Step 4
When reading, assume the persona of the characters. Talk in different voices. Act out the story as if it were a play. The more interesting you make story time, the more your child will look forward to it.
Step 5
Encourage your child to interact with the story. If the story takes place during a windy day, encourage your child to make whooshing noises. If the story has wild animals, ask your child to make the appropriate animal noises.
Step 6
Allow your child to help you read the book. Encourage her to point out pictures, words and letters that she knows. Answer any questions about words and pictures. Have her repeat words and sound out the words on the book page. Repeating the story is the first step in having her read on her own.
Tips and Warnings
- Always make story time fun for your child. Children who enjoy being read to grow up to enjoy reading on their own. Make up your own story time ritual. Put on a silly hat, make warm milk or include a favorite doll or toy. Choose story books that have familiar Disney movie or TV characters for young children to instantly engage them.
- Try not to force your child into story time. If your child is cranky or feeling sick he might not want to listen to a story.
Things You'll Need
- Children's book
- Quiet area
