Find out from your child's teacher what his/her approximate reading level is. This way, your selections will match the level he/she is currently working on. Also, ask your child what his/her interests and hobbies are (and try to include a few books with those interests).
If you are unsure about your child's reading attention span, start out with the books with exceptional illustrations. It may take a few sessions with picture books (with simple vocabulary) to capture his or her interest.
Before you begin a story, always announce the title, author, and illustrator of the book.
Keep your child involved during the entire story. This can include answering/asking questions, having your child turn the pages, or having him/her try to guess what is going to happen next.
If your child seems disinterested in the book you're reading, stop at once and choose another one.
If your child says "wow" or "that's really pretty" to a picture book, stop reading and expand upon why he/she likes it. Also, youmight want to add something like, "you sure have a sharp eye to catch that in the picture, or "I'm so glad you like the pictures about the circus. Would you like me to find some more books like this?" Building up his/her self-confidence in his/her listening skills will benefit all areas of learning. This will also foster curiosity in other areas!
If you notice that your child really enjoyed a story you read, read it again at a later time. Every child enjoys re-reading his/her "favorites" over and over again.
To make a story more memorable, adapt your voice and pace to match the page you're on. For example - use a soft voice for quiet pictures, or passages, or use different tones for the different characters; also try using fast and slow paces to go with fast/slow passages in the story.
Try to include the theme of a story you have recently read into your daily activities. For example, if you are getting your child ready for a bath and you read The Tub People before dinner, ask, "Do you remember what happende to The Tub People when they took their trip in the tub?" this will keep the story and the characters active in the child's mind a longer period of time.
Say something positive about the reading session to your child. A simple phrase like "I sure liked the way you listened today," or "I am really impressed with the questions you asked about________. Good Job!" After all, our goal is to make the child feel good about his/her self, and to feel good about reading!
Where Do We Start?
Read To Kids
