Reading to Children

Concepts for Reading to Children  

Experts agree that reading to young children is important. The more experiences children have with books, the more likely they are to be motivated to learn to read once they start school.

Things adults take for granted, such as, which direction to hold a book, pages turn from front to back, words go from left to right, and that there are wonderful stories in books are all things children learn by having adults read to them.  

How do we, as parents and caregivers, make the most of those times when we read to our youngsters? Usually the adult reads and the child listens, but by using a method called dialogic reading, an adult can help a child to greater understanding and better language development, giving the child a substantial head start in learning to read. 

Dialogic reading works best with a book with lots of pictures and few words, although most children’s books are useful. Instead of just reading, the adult asks “what” questions as they read through the book. “What kind of animal is that?” It should be a question you’re sure the child can answer. Respond enthusiastically when your child answers. “Yes, that’s a rabbit!” 

Next, the adult can expand on what the child said. “Yes, that’s a brown, fuzzy rabbit wearing mittens!” This helps a child develop a bigger vocabulary and to use more speaking skills. Children who regularly engage in conversations learn to read more easily than those who don’t. 

Next, ask another “what” question that expands on the conversation. “What is the brown, fuzzy rabbit doing with all those leaves?” “That’s right! The rabbit is raking the leaves into a pile.” Encourage the child to repeat the phrases or sentences. 

Then ask some open-ended questions—ones that can’t be answered yes or no. This encourages children to use their imaginations and also lets them know you value what they think. “Where do you think they’re going?” “Why are they going over the hill so early in the morning?” 

You can help by suggesting an answer if the child seems puzzled. Making connections between the story and real-life experiences can be very helpful to children. “Your cousin, Toby, has a rabbit. I wonder where he keeps his rabbit at night?” Also ask about how characters are feeling. It helps give a child insight into emotions. Introduce your child to a variety of emotions, such as, puzzled, angry, scared, joyful, worried, leery, silly, etc. 

Have fun! There is great joy in sharing a book with a child. Sometimes you or your child may want to go straight through a book without stopping. There’s nothing wrong with variety. But using dialogic reading expands imagination, vocabulary, and expression and gives your child a better opportunity to do well in school. 

Sandra Elliott
Thornton Children’s Librarian
8992 N. Washington St.
303-287-2514 

Last updated: 15 October 2007 11:09 AM Mountain Time
Rangeview Library District 
11658 N. Huron, Northglenn, CO 80234  Ph:  303 288-2001