>> Set the Scene for Storytelling --
Tips for Caregivers:
There are many ways parents can engage children
in the act of reading. To help bring stories to life,
consider some of these often overlooked elements
the next time you sit down to read.
Read the book yourself ahead of time,
so you know how to set the proper tone for the story.
Create a spot for children to sit and relax while they listen.
Building a fort before you read is a fun activity,
but also makes for the perfect reading spot
for an adventure book.
Introduce the story before you start.
You can talk about the title, subject, cover art, author,
or make predictions about what will happen
before you start reading.
Read the story in a loud, clear voice.
Try different voices and tones to convey different feelings
or portray various characters.
Have fun with language and sounds.
Don't forget to ask open-ended questions
along the way to create healthy dialogue
and support reading comprehension.
You'll be surprised how much fun storytelling will become
for both you and your children.