Storytime Success

It is never too early to begin reading to a child. Hearing the rhythm of stories, even as a newborn, is both soothing and important for developing literacy
If it is too difficult to hold both baby and book, then just tell stories that you know. Use hand motions, facial expressions and baby's toys to "illustrate" your story
Speak clearly and expressively. Even if they don't understand all the words of a story, you are conveying meaning through emotion
Repeat sections when the child shows interest
Ask questions about the story. (ex: What color is that house? What does a cow say?) Even if the child cannot respond to you, they are learning when they are expected to respond
Babies will want to experience a book with all senses. Make sure to have at least one board book that they can touch, pull at or even stick in their mouth
Choose books with bright, clear pictures
Look for stories with rhyme and repetition
Stop when baby cues that they have had enough. Better short and sweet than a long experience that neither of you will want to repeat

Make sure to talk about the book as well as the story (Where is the cover? title page? beginning and end of the story?)
Read the same books again and again, if asked
Read slowly so the toddler can make sense of what's happening in a story
Vary your voice to fit the characters and plot
Use puppets and other props related to the story
Repeat interesting words and phrases
Stop often to comment, ask questions, and look closely at the illustrations
Encourage a toddler to join in: turn pages, name things in pictures, make sounds, repeat rhymes and phrases, and think about what might happen next
Talk about the pictures and point out details a toddler might miss
Talk about the story and how it relates to a toddler's real life experiences

Snuggle with your child with her favorite blanket or toys as you read
Emphasize rhythms and rhymes in stories. Give your preschooler opportunities to repeat rhyming phrases
Encourage the child to react to and comment on the story
Elaborate on the text to help the child understand the language and critical story components
Ask the child to make predictions
Be careful not to disrupt the flow of the story. It is often best to read the story through once with few interruptions to keep the meaning intact and then have a discussion during the second reading
Look for books that are about things that interest your preschooler. For example, does your child like cars, insects or animals?
Help the child make connections between events in the story and their own lives; or make connections with another book read previously
Tell the child a "me" story, about a child like them who has a fanciful adventure. Weave their name and the details of their life into the story
Give your child a chance to choose his own books for reading. If your child chooses a book that is too long to hold his attention, read some pages and skip some, discussing the pictures and how they relate to the story
Set a good example as a reader - read every day at home even if it is a magazine or newspaper

Canton Public Library