How To Read To Young Children

First, be comfortable, cozy and relaxed - both of you. On the other hand, hearing a story can be very calming for a child who is in 'one of those moods'.

Next, make sure your child can see the book the right way up as you read.

Not Good at Reading Aloud?

You really don't have to be good at it. Read very slowly - that's better for the child anyway as he'll be able to hear the words more clearly.

If you feel your reading still isn't good enough, we have two suggestions:

• practice reading a story on your own before reading it to the child.
• this is a good time to ask for help. There are organizations which help adults with their reading.

For babies and toddlers up to 2 years

• point at pictures and say or ask names of things (depending on age)
• use a slow sing-song voice
• use different voices for different characters - be entertaining
• spend time talking about the pictures before turning the page
• say a name and ask the toddler to point to the item
• give huge praise each time the child points at and names an object

For 2-4 year-olds

• give the child time to look at the pictures before you read
• ask, 'Where's the...?' 'What's that called?' 'What's she doing?'
• always follow text with your finger as you read
• with familiar stories, see if the child can join in or finish phrases
• ask questions like: 'Why did he do that?' 'What happens next?'
• discuss things you both liked/didn't like and why

For 4 year-olds and over (and possibly some 3 year-olds)

• same as for 2-4 year olds
• ask the child if he can remember the order of events in the story