By now, we all know that reading to our children is important, right? Everyone from the local newspaper to Laura Bush tells us that reading is the best gift we can give our child. But have you ever heard that just reading is not enough?

To get the most out of reading aloud to your child, you have to go beyond the ordinary. Turn off the television and violence, sign up for the library reading program, and dig in to some popular children's books with an expressive voice.

There are easy things you can do as you read that will ensure your child's future success in school. And don't all of us want that? 

  1. Be enthusiastic about books.
    When your young child approaches, clutching a popular children's book, and begs "Story, Mommy?" resist the urge to say, "Not that one again!" Or "Mommy is busy, perhaps later...." You may send the message, "Reading is boring. Reading is too much trouble. Reading is no fun." Instead, use this opportunity to cuddle your child and prop your feet up at the same time. Take the few minutes it takes to read a story. You will never be sorry you did. 
  2. Make each story fun to hear.
    As you read to your child, change your voice to portray the different characters. In this way, you make the story actually come alive. If the book is an old favorite, you will find that your child begins to say some lines to you. That is the first step in learning to read. Encourage her by saying, "Oh my, it sounds like you are reading. It won't be long before you really read!" 
  3. Talk about the pictures.
    Ask your child questions that cause her to think. Ask, "How do you think Winnie the Pooh feels about that?" Ask, "What do you think will happen next?" If this is a first reading, the answer will require some thought. If it is a book that has been read again and again, your child will probably shout out the answer with pride. Carry out the pretense and act amazed that your child could know this. "How did you get to be so smart?" you might ask. Your reward for that kind of question will be delightful giggles and a happy glow of pride. 
  4. Leave out some words.
    Yes, you read this correctly! As you read a well-worn story to your child, try leaving out words at the end of a sentence. In the story of the three bears, you might say, "Goldilocks tasted Papa Bear's porridge and it was too _________."

    Your little listener is likely to shout out "HOT!" Point to the word saying, "What a good reader you are!" Then continue with the next famous line, "Goldilocks then tasted Mama Bear's porridge and it was too __________."

    This is a delightful game that helps make storytime more than a hurry-up event. And later, as your child learns to read, this skill will return as he puzzles out a new word. 

  5. Build vocabulary.

    As you read, look for words or phrases your child may not understand. In "The Three Bears," it may be "porridge." Winnie the Pooh is sometimes described as a "bear of very little brain." Ask your child, "What does that mean?" In this way, you expand your child's vocabulary and enrich the story. Try to use the phrase or word again later. "Oh my goodness, I forgot to give you a goodnight kiss. I'm a mother of very little brain."

    Words may be clear to us and may mean nothing to a child. I recently read a story to my grandson about a goldfish who "screwed up his courage." That meant something different to him than it meant to me. We talked about it and he understood the story a lot better.

    Never assume your child knows the meaning of every word. Ask questions often. If he or she knows the meaning, your child gets to "show off;" if your child does not know the word, you get to improve his understanding and build his vocabulary. 

  1. Discuss the story with your child.
    When the story is finished, take time to discuss it. Ask questions like, "What was your favorite part of the story?" or "Have you ever felt like Baby Bear?" Share your favorite part of the story. Laugh at all the funny places and talk about any scary or exciting events in the story.
  2. Put books away carefully.
    When you have finished the storytime, it's important to show your child how to care for books. Have a special place where books are stored with care. If a page is torn accidentally, tape the tear right away. This speaks loudly to your child that books must be well cared for and are precious objects in your home.
  3. Visit the library.
    Plan enough time to browse with your child and pick out a few books to take home. Don't forget to go to the adult section and pick out your own book. That shows your child that reading is a happy experience for even moms and dads. And be sure to check the library's bulletin board for information on story hours or any other activities for children. It's a perfect way to expand your child's interest in books, as well as a way to gain a quiet moment in which to read your own book.

Reading to your kids is a little like planting a seed during childhood—a seed that will continue to bloom all their lives. And by the way, you may find yourself blooming as you enjoy reading with your child. 


 

Raynette Eitel has retired after 20 years as an early childhood teacher and school counselor in Colorado Springs. She now enjoys reading to her grandchildren. She is also a prolific poet with several poetry prizes under her belt.