Sharing Books Together
Explore books with your child to encourage language development.
Watch this video on your own. Then say to kids, “Let’s look at a book!” Find a photo album to “read” together (or make a photo slideshow on your phone). Young children delight in looking at pictures of themselves, their family, and friends; and they will enjoy flipping or swiping through the album and talking about the photos together.
For younger children, hold the album and let kids help you turn the pages. Talk about what you see as you point at the pictures (“Oh look, you’re sitting at the beach on a red blanket with your friend Marco.”).
Older children can explain the details of what’s happening on each page and have fun telling stories. (“What do you think happened right before this picture was taken?” and “What happened after?”). Try starting the album by saying “Once upon a time…” and finishing it with “The End!”
Buzzing About Books
As children grow, they can engage with books (and caring grown-ups!) in special ways.
A Star Reader
There are many steps to reading, and all are important to becoming a great reader. It’s a process!
One More Time
There are lots of different ways to share the same story, again and again!
Grow, Grow, Grow!
A story about Elmo and his daddy using a book to grow a flower.
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Birth to Three
Tips for using reading time to bond with your child and build their language and literacy skills.
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Three to Five
Tips to make shared reading a time for learning and connection.
A Mighty Voice
Finding confidence in the ways that you tell stories will make them even more special to the children you share them with.
