How to Read a Science Fiction Story to Your Children

Reading science fiction novels and stories to your children is a great way to spark their imaginations at an earlier age. Science fiction literature has accurately predicted many of today's inventions; could this be because a young mind read about these inventions first and then made them happen?

Many parents don't choose to read science fiction to their children because it is more difficult to read than traditional bedtime stories. Here are some steps to follow to make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your child.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your chosen book or story
• A good reading lamp

How To Choose Your Selection

1. Review each book and short story that you are considering reading to your child. As adults, we often forget that some books we have read contain inappropriate material for children. A review will highlight these passages so you can choose to skip over them, or choose another selection.

2. Find a book or story short enough to hold your child's attention, yet long enough to keep her engaged and looking forward to bedtime. Piers Anthony has many great books in the Fantasy/Science Fiction genre that are perfect for children. Isaac Asimov also wrote a series about Norby the Robot that is perfect for younger children.

3. Discuss your choice with your child and explain why you chose it, and why it is special to you.

How To Read Your Choice to Your Child

4. Read slowly, so that your child comprehends every word.

5. Pause often, so she can ask questions. Be sure to answer all her questions in detail so that she follows the story line.

6. Replace bigger words with ones that he will understand, or stop and explain the meaning of the word as a vocabulary building exercise.

7. Read only until your child is tired. Otherwise, he may fall asleep and miss some of the story, or worse, grow bored with the process.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask questions to engage your child in the process, and to make sure she is comprehending what you are reading.
• Ask your child if he wants to read passages to you from time to time. This will improve his reading skills, and help him to stay involved.
• Try not to skip nights, otherwise your child may lose interest.
• Resist the temptation to read too fast, or your child may miss key passages of your selection.

Resources

• Science Fiction for Kids
• Using Science Fiction to Turn Kids On to Reading

[bookmom]

on 5/30/2008 My kids are still a little too young yet, but my husband and I love SFF and you have some great ideas. I'll be sure to put them into action when the time comes!