Reading with Young Children
Reading with your child is a wonderful way to promote literacy learning. When you read with your child, you are developing memories that will last a lifetime. Try these simple ideas to enhance your reading experience.
- Select a time each day to read with your child.
- Have a special spot to read together such as a favorite chair or a child’s bed.
- Read and re-read your child’s favorite storybooks!
- Choose books that you enjoy reading.
- Choose a variety of types of books (non-fiction, fiction, Mother Goose rhymes, poetry, fairy tales) to share with your child.
- Choose books with predictable text that children can read along with you (Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?)
- Point to the pictures and talk as you read.
- Try varying your voice for different characters or using sound effects for added fun.
- Identify important features of the book, such as the author, illustrator, and title.
- Point to words, labels, and letters as you read.
- Encourage your child to retell the story in his or her own words.
- Build your child’s vocabulary by providing real-life experiences that match the book you are reading. For example, when reading Goodnight Gorilla, follow-up with a visit to the zoo. Talk about the animals you see. Re-read the book when you return home.
- Attend story time together.
Local Reading Programs
