Tips for reading with your child
Reading with your child is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to spend time together. Whether you’re sharing a favourite bedtime story or exploring a new book, these moments help build language skills, spark imagination, and create connection. The good news is that there’s no right or wrong way to read together. The most important thing is making it enjoyable for both of you.
A few minutes at a time is OK
Don’t worry if you don’t finish the story in one sitting. Young children often have short attention spans, and even a few minutes of shared reading can be beneficial. Follow your child’s lead and enjoy the time you have together, whether that’s one page or the whole book.
Talk or sing about the pictures
Pictures tell their own story and can be just as engaging as the words on the page. Point out colours, animals, objects, or people and chat about what you can see. Singing about the pictures or making up little rhymes can add an extra layer of fun and help keep your child interested.
Let them turn the pages
Giving your child the chance to turn the pages helps them feel involved. It also supports the development of fine motor skills and helps them begin to understand how books work.
Talk about the book cover
Before opening the book, take a look at the cover together. Talk about the title, the pictures, and what you think the story might be about. This encourages curiosity and helps children start thinking about stories before they even begin.
Show them the words
As you read, occasionally point to the words on the page. This helps children make connections between spoken and written language and introduces them to the idea that words carry meaning.
Make the story come alive
Children love expression and excitement. Try using different voices for characters, changing your tone, or adding sound effects. Bringing the story to life can make reading more engaging and help your child connect with the characters and events.
Make it personal
Stories become even more meaningful when children can relate them to their own lives. Talk about experiences your family has had, pets you know, or places in your community that remind you of the story. These connections help make reading more memorable and relevant.
Ask questions about the story
Simple questions can encourage children to think about what they’re hearing and seeing. You might ask what they think will happen next, how a character is feeling, or which part of the story they like best. There are no wrong answers, so keep the conversation relaxed and fun.
Let them tell the story
Even before they can read the words, children can often tell a story by looking at the pictures. Give them opportunities to describe what’s happening on each page or make up their own version of the story. This builds confidence, language skills, and creativity.
Create books together
Homemade books can be a wonderful way to encourage a love of reading. Draw pictures, stick in photos, or write down your child’s stories to create books that are uniquely theirs. Reading these together can become a treasured part of your daily routine.
Try a variety of books
Children enjoy exploring different types of books, so don’t be afraid to mix things up. Books with textures, flaps, sounds, bright illustrations, or interactive elements can capture their attention and make reading an exciting experience. Offering a variety of books also helps children discover what they enjoy most.
Enjoy the Journey
Every child develops at their own pace, and every reading experience will look a little different. Whether you’re reading for two minutes or twenty, sharing stories together helps nurture a lifelong love of books, develop language skills, and build connection between you and your child. Keep it fun, keep it relaxed, and enjoy the special moments that reading brings.
