Speech Therapist’s Tips: Getting Started with Reading Aloud

Sometimes it feels like you have to perform magic tricks just to make it happen. I’d say the most important thing you can do is show your child that you enjoy reading yourself. Even if your child doesn’t want to listen, keep reading aloud. Maybe your child would prefer to read the book to you instead? In that case, listen with interest and ask questions about what they’re telling you.

Would the book become more fun if you bring in toys and act out what’s happening? Follow what your child wants to do with the book. Let their interest lead the way, then gently guide them back to the story.

“Look — this teddy bear in the book also built a tower just like you! Let’s see what happens next in the story. Oh wow, look at this!”

It’s also important that the book suits both of you. Choose a book that both you and your child can enjoy. It’s better to pick a shorter book than one that feels too long.

I have children of different ages myself, and they can definitely distract each other when we’re reading. Everyone wants to sit on my lap, everyone wants to answer questions, and everyone wants to see the pictures equally well. It’s not always easy. In situations like this, fairness can help. Let them sit on one leg each, take turns answering questions, and share the time looking at the pictures.

You could also try reading while they’re occupied with something else. Maybe they can have an evening snack while you read. Or change the setting: sit on a rock in the forest, on a bench in the park, or even in the laundry room.

If you have a younger child who distracts the older one, you might read when the little one is sleeping. Or let the younger child play with something interesting while you read to the older one. Sand or water play often works well. Another idea is to gather a small bag of exciting objects for the younger child to explore while you read.

You know your children best. If you keep trying and show them that books are worth the effort, you’re giving them a gift that will benefit them for life. And if reading yourself feels difficult, there are narrated books that you and your child can listen to together.