Five Top Tips for Reading Aloud to Children

Your child will always think you are a wonderful reader, so don't be shy. It's fun reading together every day. Children need to hear a thousand stories before they are ready to learn to read.

1. When reading to very young children, read slowly and clearly, with enjoyment. Have fun, use silly voices, play with sound effects, laugh a lot.
2. Hold your child close enough to see and touch the book, maybe let them help turn the pages. Enjoy a cuddle together.
3. Involve your child. Let them help select books they love. Play games with them - what's under this flap? What comes next? Pause to ask them questions and let them tell you what's happening. Encourage them to make noises or sing a rhyme when the story calls for it and use lots of actions. Use a puppet or toy and let them to act out the story with you.
4. Young children love rhyme and repetition in stories and songs. Rhyme and repetition help young children to remember and anticipate when they can join in. Be prepared to read your child's favourite books over and over again.
5. Know when to stop. Reading should be fun, and young children may not be able to concentrate for too long. But take a book on your next outing - waiting time can be story time.

Have you read to a child today?