Reading a Storybook to Your Child

Before Reading:

• Show the cover of the book.
• Read the title.
• Discuss the illustrations on the cover.
• Encourage predictions ( What do you think will happen?)
• Discuss the author and  the illustrator.
• Give a brief summary of the book.

During Reading:

• Read in an expressive voice.
• Invite your child to join in on repetitive phrases.
• Monitor the child's understanding of the story.
• Explain any new concepts tot he child.
• Stop at appropriate points in the book and encourage predictions.

After Reading:

• Discuss the story. (Ask questions such as:  "What was your favorite part of the story?"" What was the problem in the story? How was the problem solved?"
• Link events in the story with your child's own experiences.
• Engage your child in activities which build on or extend the story. For example: Have your child draw a picture to illustrate his/her favorite part of the story.