The Secret Sauce to Storytime- Tips from a Pediatric SLP

Is there a wrong way to read to my kids? No….but you could probably do even better with a few pointers! Reading to your children in general will be helpful. BUT here are some tips and tricks to make reading even more impactful when it comes to language development:

1. Get them involved! Making reading interactive by having your kiddo turn the page or point to an object on the page gets them more engaged. If you’re reading vehicle or animal books, this is the perfect opportunity to include some sound effects/animal noises!

2. Be playful and silly! Your voice should be changing constantly when you read.  Sometimes, as adults, we forget that our kids aren’t judging us- throw your cares out the door and use playful character voices, pitch changes, get loud/quiet, etc.

3. Repeat yourself…I know,I know…it’s every parent’s least favorite thing. However, when you read the same book multiple times, it allows children to become more familiar with the vocabulary, which can aid in retaining the vocabulary. Repetition is HUGE when it comes to language growth.

4. Prompt them. Let them fill things in when you read. This becomes even easier when your child is becoming more familiar with the story (see point #3). For example, “you’re my little cuddle ____” and they will fill in, “bug,” if they’re familiar with the book. 

5. You don’t have to say it all! If your kiddo is really ready to get to the next page, let them turn the page even if you’re not done. Model language where they are interested! So, if that’s on the cow page and not the chicken page, so be it! It is also important to note that you don’t have to read all the words- you can modify the text as you please (or totally make up your own) to make those wordy pages a bit shorter!

I hope these tips make you feel more confident in the language model you’re providing to your little ones during this special time of your day! Happy reading!

Stay chatty,

Lindsay Leahr, MA, CCC-SLP