Top tips for sharing stories
Ten top tips for reading stories to your child
- Make reading to your child feel like a treat. Introduce each new book with excitement.
- Make it a special quiet time and cuddle up so both of you can see the book.
- Show curiosity in what you’re going to read: Oh no! I think Arthur is going to get even angrier now.
- Read the whole story the first time through without stopping too much. If you think your child might not understand something, model an explanation: Oh I think what’s happening here is that….
- Chat about the story: I wonder why he did that? Oh no, I hope she’s not going to… I wouldn’t have done that, would you?
- Avoid asking questions to test what your child remembers.
- Link stories to your own experiences (eg This reminds me of…)
- Read favourite stories over and over again. Get your child to join in with the bits they know.
- Read with enthusiasm. Don’t be embarrassed to try out different voices. Your child will love it.
- Read with enjoyment. If you’re not enjoying it, your child won’t.