Making Read-Aloud Time Count

Reading aloud to your child is one of the best ways to build vocabulary and understanding.

A few small habits turn story time into learning time without spoiling the fun.

Let's learn

1. Look at the cover together and read the title and author’s name.
2. Read with expression: change your voice for different characters.
3. Pause once or twice to ask, “What do you think will happen?”
4. After reading, ask your child to tell you their favorite part.

Watch out for

• Asking too many questions. Two or three is enough; the story should still feel like a treat.

Make it fit your reader

• Easier: Choose short picture books with bright pictures.
• Harder: Choose a slightly longer book and read it over two nights.

Practice activity

• Cover talk: before reading tonight’s book, look at the cover and guess what it is about.
• Favorite part: after the story, your child draws their favorite part.