10 TIPS FOR READING ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD

Reading to your child 20 minutes everyday helps your child become more successful in school. These tips will help you make story time a fun event for your family!

1. Pick a Place - Pick a special place in your house to read everyday.

2. Read Together - Have your child sit beside you and hold the book so you child can see the pictures.

3. Introduce the Author - Every time you begin a story, show the cover of the book and tell your child the name of the author and the illustrator.

4. Read at a Paced Speed - Be sure not to read too slow or rush through the book. Pace your reading.

5. Change your Voice – Change your voice to deeper and higher tones to fit what is going on in the story. Try various voices for different characters.

6. Talk about Pictures – Discuss the pictures in the story with your child as you read. Ask your child what they think is happening in the illustration.

7. Ask Questions - Ask your child open-ended or predictive questions about the story like “What do think will happen next?”

8. Build New Vocabulary - Use pictures in the books to help explain what a word means and introduce new vocabulary to your child.

9. Draw a Picture – After reading the story, you can continue the story sharing experience by having your child draw a picture about the story.

10. Have Fun – Reading should be a fun experience. Be sure to laugh along with your child as you experience the magical joy of reading together.