It is never too early to start reading to children. Children of all ages enjoy having stories read to them. Reading, cuddling up on a couch or reading before a child takes a nap or goes to sleep at night, is comforting for the child. This special time together builds a bond, take the time to read to the children in your life.
- Read slowly, this gives children time to think about what you are reading.
- Change your voice for different characters, or read in a softer voice from some characters, louder for others. A sing song voice is fun for young children.
- Share a picture book with a child and have them tell you a story from the pictures!
- Read every day!
- Children have favorites, so don’t worry if they want the same story every day, but add a few others so they can develop new favorites.
- Talk about the story, ask the children what was their favorite part. Let them share the story back to you or their parents!
- Do arts and crafts about the story. Have them draw you a picture about the story.
- If the children are old enough to read themselves, have them read you a story. Alternate, you read, they read. This will encourage them to read more!
- Have fun, read stories about subjects you and the children enjoy!
- Turn off the TV and computer and read!