er? Do what you can and as much as you’re comfortable with.
When to read, sing and tell stories with your child
Bedtime, bath time, potty time, on the train, on the bus, in the car, in the park, in the pram, in the cot, when you’re in the GP’s waiting room ... any time is a good time for a story! You can make books part of your daily routine – take them with you to share and enjoy everywhere.
Knowing when to stop can be just as important as finding the time to share a story in the first place. Pay attention to your child’s reaction to the story, and stop if he’s not enjoying it this time. You can always try a book, song or story at another time.
If you don’t have a book, or can’t make up a story on the spot, don’t worry. There are many other ways you and your child can share letters, words and pictures. For example, you can look at:
- packages at home or in the supermarket, especially food packaging
- clothing – what does it say on the t-shirt? What colour is it?
- letters and notes – what do they say? Who sent them?
- signs or posters in shops, or on buses and trains – point out signs that have the same letters as your child’s name
- menus – these can be fun for older children to look at and work out what they want to eat.
You could also check out our storytelling videos
. Let storyteller Anne E. Stewart introduce you and your child to ‘Mook Mook the Owl’, ‘The Crocodile’, ‘The Old Lady and The Mosquito’ and ‘How the Years were Named for Animals’.
Tips for sharing books with babies and young children
- Make a routine and try to share at least one book every day. A reading chair where you’re both comfortable can become part of your reading routine.
- Turn off the TV or radio, and find a quiet place to read so your child can hear your voice.
- Hold your child close or on your knee while you read, so she can see your face and the book.
- Try out funny noises and sounds – play and have fun!
- Involve your child by encouraging talk about the pictures, and by repeating familiar words and phrases.
- Visit your local library – it’s free to join and borrow.
- Let your toddler choose the books when he’s old enough to start asking.
- Be prepared to read favourite books over and over again!
If you have older children, they can share books with your younger children, or you can all read together. Taking turns, asking questions and listening to the answers are all important skills that will help your child when she starts learning to read.
Even reading for a few minutes at a time is effective – you don’t always have to finish the book. As children grow, they’re typically able to listen for longer.
What sort of books to read with your child
There are so many books to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. As a broad rule, young children often enjoy books, songs and stories that have good rhyme, rhythm and repetition. In fact, one of the ways that children learn is through repetition and rhyme.
Consider books that are the right length for your child to reflect your child’s changing interests and to keep him engaged.
For a guide to what might suit your child, you might like to look at the following articles:
You can also vary the books you read. Picture books, magazines, instruction manuals, TV guides and letters can all be interesting and engaging for your child. Arranging book swaps with friends, or at your parent group or early childhood centre, can be a good way to try new books without much expense.
Using your local library
Libraries have a lot to offer. Getting to know your local library can be a part of learning about and loving books.
You can borrow great children’s books for free from your local library. This means you can have lots of books in your home for your child to explore – and it won’t cost you a cent.
Taking your child to the library and letting her choose her own books can be a fun adventure. You can talk about and plan your trip to the library with your child, and get excited together. You could ask your child, for example:
- How many books will you choose?
- How many books can you find by your favo