Reading and telling stories are important skills for your child as they go through school. They help improve your child’s listening, speaking, and writing skills.

Stories are also a good way to learn new things about the world. Books can introduce your child to many new ideas, events, and experiences. These experiences help your child learn new words.

Start early

Start reading and looking at books with your child when they are very young. It’s never too early to start.

Let your child choose books that interest them. Even a very young child can choose a book.

Read often

Read books together regularly.

Bedtime is a good time for stories, but there are many other times in the day that are good for stories. Try reading a book while waiting in line for an appointment or anytime you have a few minutes.

Keep a couple of books in the car or in a backpack. You’ll be ready to read whenever you have a chance.

Be engaging

When reading with your child, position yourself so your child can see your face and the book. This helps you interact with your child. Read slowly with lots of expression in your face and voice. This helps your child connect the words with their meanings.

Keep it simple

Read simple stories your child can memorize, so they can fill in the words as you read together.

Read the same story many times. Your child learns best when they hear a story over and over again. It also helps them practise language skills. Your child will enjoy knowing a book by heart.

Encourage thinking and fun

Ask questions that encourage your child to think about the story. Ask, “Why do you think he did that?” or “How did that happen?” as you read.

Have your child predict what will happen next in the story. Questions like “What do you think will happen next?” help them think about the story and stay engaged.

Most importantly—have fun! When you have fun with reading and storytelling, it helps your child grow their language skills, as well as a love of books and learning new things.

Use the pictures

Look at a book with lots of pictures, and talk about the pictures. Ask your child what they think is happening or will happen next based on what they see.

Use the pictures to make up your own story, have your child make up a story, or make up a story together.

Keep it simple

Telling your child stories without a book can also help them with language, listening, and literacy skills.

Tell your child stories about your day, stories you know, or make up stories to share.

Ask your child to tell you stories about their day or stories they make up.

Where to get help

To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit Pediatric Rehabilitation.​