One of my favourite things to do with children is snuggle up with a good book.  Any book. If there is too much of a plot and there are lengthy sentences/ paragraphs then I will shorten the sentences to fit the language level of the child.  Here are some ideas of things you can do other than “just read a book”:

•    Ignore the print and just look at the pictures and point things out.  Label things and actions that you see.  

•    Ask open-ended questions like “what is under the blanket?” and “how did the turtle get there?”  Make sure the questions match your child’s language level and extend it slightly.

•    Don’t begrudge reading the same story dozens of times.  The repetition is comforting and allows predictability.  

•    If your child has a limited attention span, reading one page at a time is a good start.  If the child is forced to read then that could have a negative effect.  Choose books on themes or with characters that you know interest your child.  

•    Allow your child to help turn the pages and even to hold the book.  This can help lengthen the attention span and helps your child to learn how to care for books.

•    Identify the title of the book.  Point to the words as you say them to help your child understand that words have meaning.  When your child points at words and reads them (this will be memory or sight word reading and can occur at a very young age) start labeling things with writing and pointing out words on signs and food items to generalize this concept.

•    Make a book for your child.  Take photos of family members and put them into a sturdy “book” (could be a small photo album or stuck onto card).  Put a one word label or a sentence under each photo, depending on your child’s language level.  This is always a favorite, even for children who don’t choose to look at books often.  

•    For older children, make a book with your child.  Get or make a scrap book (card stapled together- nothing fancy) and stick into it magazine pictures of things that are red, or round, etc.  Keep each concept you are collecting on separate pages with a written label e.g., “red”.  This is an interactive and fun way to practice concept development.

•    Set up a routine of reading stories at bedtime.  This is a great way for children to “wind down” and ensures that your child is getting some undivided attention each day.

•    Join a local library and help your child choose books or just sit and read something new.  Sometimes libraries have story times and periodic fun events for young children.

© Ann Haig Wheeler, DSC 2009

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