1. Follow Your Child’s Interests
Children are more likely to engage with books that match their interests. If your child loves dinosaurs, trucks, or animals, choose books on those topics. If they enjoy music, look for books with rhymes or songs. Following their lead in book selection increases the chances of them wanting to participate.
2. Make Story time Active
Sitting still isn’t the only way to enjoy a book. Let your child move around while you read! You can:
- Encourage them to act out parts of the story.
- Read while they bounce on a yoga ball.
- Create movement cues for certain words (e.g., jump when you say “hop”).
- Incorporate props, like toy animals or cars, to bring the story to life.
3. Use Interactive Books
Books with lift-the-flaps, textures, or sound buttons can captivate children who need sensory engagement. Look for books that encourage participation, such as:
- “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet Press Here Book
- “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell Dear Zoo Book
- Any touch-and-feel books These elements provide a hands-on experience that keeps kids involved.
4. Let Them Hold and Explore the Book
Some children prefer to be in control of the book. Let them turn the pages, hold it upside down, or flip through at their own pace. Even if they aren’t following the story exactly, they’re still engaging with books in a positive way.
5. Change Your Reading Style
If a traditional reading approach isn’t working, mix it up! Try:
- Using different voices for characters.
- Whispering or singing the words.
- Pausing dramatically to build suspense.
- Making silly sound effects to match the action.
6. Encourage Participation
Children enjoy feeling involved in storytelling. Engage them by:
- Asking open-ended questions about the pictures (“What do you think will happen next?”).
- Letting them fill in the blanks of familiar phrases.
- Inviting them to “read” with you by repeating key words or phrases.
- Playing “I Spy” with objects in the illustrations.
7. Read in Short Bursts
If your child loses interest quickly, that’s okay! You don’t need to finish a book in one sitting. Try reading just a few pages at a time and revisit the book later. Short, frequent reading sessions can be more effective than forcing a long one.
8. Incorporate Books into Play
Integrate books into playtime rather than making them a separate activity. For example:
- Read a book about cooking and then pretend to cook.
- Pair a book about animals with stuffed animals for role-playing.
- Use building blocks to recreate scenes from a story. This approach makes reading feel like part of their play rather than a structured task.
9. Set an Example
Children learn by watching adults. Let them see you reading books, magazines, or newspapers. When they see reading as a normal and enjoyable activity, they may be more inclined to join in.
10. Be Flexible and Have Fun!
The goal is to create positive experiences with books, not to force a child to sit and listen. If a book doesn’t hold their attention, move on to something else. The more fun and relaxed storytime is, the more likely they will come back for more.
Every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Keep experimenting with different strategies, and most importantly, enjoy the time spent together. Happy reading!
Recommendations
For more book reading tips, models, and ideas, please refer to the videos below.
How to Get Toddlers to Sit and Read Video
How to Help a Child Love Books Video
For more information check out these resources
ASHA Leader Article: Using Picture Books to Teacher Language and Literacy
ASHA Leasder Article: Daily Book Reading Link to Boost in Infants’ Language