- Let him/her help to choose a book and cuddle up together.
- Before you begin to read get a ‘feel’ for the book by looking at the cover and talking about it.
- Let him/her hold the book and turn the pages.
- Look together at the pictures. Look for little details. They help him/her understand what the book is about, point to the pictures and talk about what you see. Emphasise key words - repeat and extend e.g. ‘ball’ Do you like the ball? The ball is round, the ball bounces etc.
- Don’t rush your child, take it at his/her place.
- Share books little and often. Books should be fun - if your child is restless, stop and try again later. You don’t always have to get to the end of the book.
- Sharing a book with your child will show them how to handle and use books e.g. which way up the book is held, the name of the author and illustrator, characters, titles, text, that we read from left to right, stories run from the top of the page to the bottom etc.
- Read the same book again and again if you both enjoy it. This helps him/her to remember the story. It helps him/her to recognise some of the words. Point to show meaning.
- Let him/her ‘read’ the book to you by talking about each picture.
- Read books with catchy words or rhymes. She/he will enjoy the repetition and joining in. Using silly voices, funny phrases and put tune into your voice.
- Read books with exciting stories. She/he will want to find out what happens next. Introduce a wide variety of different types of books.
- Books will often receive rough treatment. Teach your child that books are special and that we need to look after them.
- Ask questions that will help him/her to think about a book, but don’t over do it and leave a pause for a response. Let him/her ask questions too.
- Keep books within easy reach of your child. Try putting books into toy boxes.
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