Reading with your child
Top tips for reading with your child:
- Books can be shared at any time - not just at bedtime!
- Your child may want to read to you.
- Read aloud together - allow your child to lead the speed of reading.
- Take turns - you read a section, your child reads a section. With young children it is a good idea to follow the writing with your finger, making sure no words are hidden.
- Help your child when they get stuck.
- Always be positive.
- Don't rush your child.
- The pictures will help.
- Reading the rest of the sentence may help.
- It is important to keep the flow, so help your child, then move on.
- If there are too many difficult words, read the book to your child yourself.
Helpful hints
- Encourage your child to choose his or her own books.
- Don't worry if they keep choosing the same favourites.
- Don't put pressure on your child to get "harder" books or say "that's too easy".
- Reading should be fun.
- Find a quiet, comfortable place with no distractions. You can't compete with the television!
- Reading at bedtime is a pleasant way to end the day but only for as long as your child wants.
- Encourage your child to guess what's going to happen next.
- Set a good example by reading yourself, and by choosing books at the library!
For more helpful hints and tips visit the BookTrust website.
BookTrust Bookstart
Coventry Libraries support the national charity BookTrust Bookstart. Bookstart aims to encourage a love of books, stories and rhymes in children from as young an age as possible. Bookstart offers a range of support to children and families.
Bookstart Baby pack
Bookstart Baby is a free book pack available to all Coventry children aged 0-12 months. This is available from your local health visitor.