How to Read Books To Children

Reading to children is one of the best things you can do for them. But it is important to capture their attention when you read to keep them interested. Follow these steps to keep the children begging for more books!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Prepare before you read to the child. Choose the book beforehand and read it so you know the basics of the story. You want to be familiar with the setting and the characters so that you aren't confused when reading the story aloud to the child and so that you can be prepared to answer questions about the book (and children WILL ask questions).

2. Create a different voice for each character in the story. You will keep children interested if you make the story sound interesting. So make up fun voices for each character, and give the character a personality. You may want to practice your voice before you read the story aloud. Make sure that you are consistent with the voice of each character.

3. Pause for dramatic effect when acceptable when reading. This will create anticipation in the child and will make him or her want to know MORE!

4. Read with enthusiasm. Don't read like you are reading from a textbook. Make the story come ALIVE!

5. If there are pictures in the story, always show the picture to the child.

6. When the story is over, ask the child questions about what you read. This will get them thinking!