Once Upon a Time…

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Do you read your children a story every day? This can be a special part of the day as it is a wonderful way to encourage a positive relationship between you and your child and create special memories. Here are some tips on how to introduce story time to your child and make it a regular activity.

 

  • Make it a routine

Children, in general, respond well to routine. Even if your child does not seem too interested in the beginning, they will learn that this is something that you do together every day and this will then become part of your day.  When children know what is going to happen next, they are more likely to feel secure and look forward to it. For example, having a story as part of the bedtime routine can help your child to calm down and prepare him to be ready to go to sleep.

  • Follow your child’s interest

To begin with, choose books related to your child’s favourite characters or things. Later, you may want to try to introduce something new and thereby expand his/her interests.

  • Get into character

Bring the story to life and be dramatic! Try using different voices for different characters and use varying intonation, ways of expression and even loud and quiet voices!

  • Do not be afraid to repeat the same book

It is absolutely fine if your child chooses the same book again and again. Children love repetition and can be more engaged when they know the story.  They like to know what is coming next!  If your child is very familiar with a story, you can let your child join in with ‘reading’ the book with you and follow their lead.

  • Find a book that is just right for your child’s level

Children can easily lose interest when the story is too simple or too difficult for them. Try to observe how your child responds to the language and check their understanding.  For younger children, try to pick books with simple storylines and lots of pictures – you don’t always have to read the exact words.  Young children love touchy-feely books, and those that are interactive. Remember that you can adjust the level and simplify the language or make it more advanced. Story time is also a perfect opportunity to talk about the feelings of the characters as well as how the book makes them feel. Adults can model their own reaction, e.g. “I think that book was so funny, I enjoyed sharing it with you!”.

 

Above all, have fun. Exposing your children to books from a young age will encourage literacy and a lifelong love of reading!