Reading with Your Children

Reach Out and Read encourages all parents to make reading with their children part of their daily routine.

Make reading part of every day, even for just a few minutes.
Have fun.
Talk about the pictures. You do not have to read the book to tell a story.
Let your child turn the pages.
Show your child the cover page. Explain what the story is about.
Run your finger along the words as you read them.
Silly sounds, especially animal sounds, are fun to make.
Choose books about events in your child’s life such as starting preschool, going to the dentist, getting a new pet, or moving to a new home.
Make the story come alive. Create voices for the story characters.
Ask questions about the story. What do you think will happen next? What is this?
Let your child ask questions about the story. Talk about familiar activities and objects.
Let your child retell the story.
Visit your local library often.

Hold your baby on your lap while you read.
Babies like…
- board books;
- pictures of babies;
- rhymes and songs from the same book over and over;
- and when you point at pictures – this is how babies learn!

Let your toddler move around while you are reading.
Name the pictures – this is how toddlers learn new words.
Read labels and signs wherever you go.
Toddlers like …
- the same book over and over;
- a book at bedtime;
- to choose and hold the book;
- books about food, trucks, animals, and children;
- and books with a few words.

Have your child sit close or on your lap while reading.
Ask questions about the story.
Let your child tell you stories.
Make weekly visits to the children’s room at the library so your child can choose more books.
Children like …
- longer books that tell stories;
- books without words;
- alphabet and counting books;
- books about families, friends, and going to school;
- and a book at bedtime.

Here are some helpful videos for parents to guide them in reading aloud with their children:

Reading Together 3
Reading Together 6
Videos from the Fred Rogers Center Early Learning Environment

Reading Tips