| *the barefoot storyteller * the barefoot storyteller * the barefoot storyteller *

By reading aloud you are sharing one of life’s most valuable gifts, as well as opening all kinds of doors for the future by teaching your child to read themselves. Here are some ways to help make the most out of reading with your child, or any child:

Choose a time and a place where you can be quiet and give the child lots of attention. Make the occasion a special one.

Turn off any distractions such as televisions, music CDs, radios.

When you are reading aloud, show that you are enjoying yourself.

Involve the child. Let yourself be interrupted with questions; talk about what you think of the story and the pictures.

When the child has started learning to read, follow the text and encourage him or her to point to the words as you go along.

Establish a routine. Try to devote some time every day to reading.

Take your child to your local library and involve him or her in choosing books.

Notice what kinds of stories your child enjoys and look out for ones with similar themes.

When you are reading aloud, praise the child for listening well and sitting still. When a child is learning to read for you, give praise and encouragement too, but be sure gently to correct the child when he or she makes mistakes.

Help build the child’s vocabulary and memory skills by supplementing reading sessions with audio books on car journeys and after meals or at bedtime. Audio books are especially helpful in building memory skills and supporting the learning of dyslexic and autistic children.

Sharing a child’s journey into reading can be a most rewarding experience, and a treasure of parenthood. You owe it to your child, and to yourself, to make it a priority in your daily life.

The Barefoot Storyteller is a proud member of the National Storytelling Network

TheBarefootStoryteller@Barefoot-Storyteller.com