Reading with your Child
When your child is enjoyed playing with books, it is time to try
reading books to her. Here are some tips for those first reading
sessions.
- Start with books and stories that you know your child likes.
Most new readers like to look at or read their favorite books
over and over again. It takes a long time for many children to
want to hear a new story.
- Choose a time when your child is most likely to stay put
and listen. Snack time works well for many children. Others
are more likely to listen when they are tired or not feeling well.
If your child is rarely sits still, though, you might read to
her while she is standing up, coloring, or building with blocks.
It might take many experiences with books before your child watches
and listens to a story at the same time. Be sure to turn of the
television or music when you read.
- Begin by talking about the book or retelling the story.
Encourage your child to talk about the book, too. Try to take
turns, so your child gets used to listening to your voice tell
the story. Look at the pictures, and ask your child, "Can
you find the . . . .?" After you are finished, continue the
turn-taking by showing one another your favorite pictures in the
book or finding your favorite character.
- When you are reading a true storybook (for example, The
Three Bears), combine reading with retelling. Try reading
just the first page or two and tell the rest. Don't be upset if
the reading session feels short and hurried, or if your child
closes the book and says, "The End!" Every tiny bit
of reading you do will help your child learn to listen to books,
especially if he had a good time.
- When your child has a few books that he will listen to,
try to expand his ability by:
- asking one or two questions during the reading. Start with
yes-no questions, such as, "Do you think Goldilocks should
go in that house?"
- encouraging your child to look at a new book. Check your
library or bookstore for books on similar topics. When you
bring a new book home, show excitement about it, treat it
like a new toy!
- Remember that the most important thing about reading to your
child is that you and your child enjoy yourselves. So do what
you can to make it pleasant for both of you. If your child is
rough with books, be sure that you buy sturdy ones so that you
don't have to keep reminding your child to be gentle. If you are
more patient in the morning, do your reading in the morning.
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