Want to spend time with your youngster, build her reading skills, and help her learn to love books? You can do all three when you read aloud to her. Here are some suggestions.
Try to read to your child every day. You might aim for 10-15 minutes of bedtime reading for a peaceful end of the day. Bring along a book, and read to her during a sibling's sports practice. Or curl up together with a book when you get home from work.
Your youngster may want to hear old favorites again and again. Use your turn for new titles and variety (nonfiction, poetry).
Ask your child to turn the pages while you read. Also, she can finish sentences that rhyme or fill in words she knows. Go slowly so she has time to understand the story and look at the illustrations. She'll enjoy read-aloud time more if she plays an active role.
You can use different voices for different characters (a high, squeaky voice for a mouse or a deep, booming voice for a horse). Or substitute your youngster's name for the main character's name, and use family members' names for other characters. Note: You don't have to be an expert reading-your child will love it when you read aloud because its you.