Re-think Your Reading - Part 2

We are so excited that the library can once again offer your family some different children’s stories to read together! As you pick up that new picture book to share, whether at bedtime, naptime or any time, we would like to offer some easy and fun ideas to enhance your reading adventure together.

The Benefits

We all know the amazing benefits of reading aloud with your children, from increased vocabulary to a better understanding of the world around them. But it is also a wonderful bonding time for you and your family, where you are in the moment, giving your full attention and interest to your child through the activity of reading.

To change up your reading environment, how about reading Halloween books in the dark with a flashlight, or under your favourite tree at the park, with a blanket and snacks?

Reading is Everywhere!

There are lots of ways you and your child can share letters, words and pictures, beyond just books. Try these ideas:

• Look at the packages of their favourite foods and see if they can find the letters in their name! Help them to read where it says Goldfish Crackers or what country their bananas came from.
• There are signs everywhere these days. See if they can recognize the stop signs, and say the letters together. For older kids, try more complex road signs, or play the alphabet game in the car!

Picture Books

• Before you even open the book, show them the author and illustrator’s name, and explain what those mean. Running your fingers under the words helps children with print awareness and shows them that we read left to right. Talk about the cover of the book and ask them to predict what might happen!
• While you are reading, take pauses to talk about something in the story, and what interests them. Ask questions but remember to be patient as it takes children longer than adults to formulate their thoughts and then tell us. For more about this, read this article about the value of waiting for children to respond.
• Build narrative skills by connecting the character in the book with something in their life or yours. For example, if the animals are playing in the snow, talk about how it snowed last week and how you made a snowman! This website by Literacy Today has even more ideas to enhance your reading together!
• Did you ever notice that sometimes we skip over more difficult words in picture books, or replace it with an easier word? Go back and explain the word, as children learn rich vocabulary this way! Try Stegothesaurus, or The Word Collector from our catalogue, for books with interesting vocabulary.

Say Yes to Non-Fiction!

Most kids prefer to read fiction, but there are many benefits for them to read non-fiction too, and sometimes they might just need a little nudge in the direction of what interests them. If they love facts, show them Guinness World Record books, or if they love basketball, check out these great sports books.

Wordless Books

Be brave and try a book with no words! Your child gets to strengthen their narrative skills, by creating their own story in their own words! It also reinforces the idea that the story and pictures are connected in picture books. For a book with few words, you'll be surprised at all the talking you will do, and all the fun you'll have! Here are some great tips from Scholastic on how to read wordless books with your children, and a list of books with no words to check out!

Lastly, savour each page. Take your time. Don’t be afraid to be silly. Share your own thoughts and observations as you read and look at the pictures. As Dr. Seuss says, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!”