Reading Develops Language Skills in Children
(Recommended for pre-school – primary aged children)

Why read
- Sharing a book means spending time together
- Reading a story teaches good language skills. Use the language you know best.
- Reading aloud to a child at an early age helps the child learn to read
- Children who are good readers do better at school
What to read
- Choose books that have colourful and interesting pictures
- Choose books about people and activities that your child likes
- Choose books about everyday events like going shopping or getting ready for bed
- Let your child choose the books you will read together, even if it means reading the same stories again and again.
- Your child will enjoy hearing the same story again and again because he/she can guess what is going to happen
When to read
- Read to your child every day
- Find a time when you and your child are relaxed such as before bedtime
- Choose a place that is comfortable and quiet such as a bed, chair or couch
How to read
- Read slowly
- Take time to enjoy the story. You don’t need to read every word.
- Point to and label pictures
- Read a little of the book, then wait to give your child time to JOIN IN
How to get your child to JOIN IN
- Wait before turning the page to give your child time to look at the pictures and ask questions
- Read the first part of a sentence and let your child complete it
- Add actions like clapping, waving or marching to make the story more interesting
- Add sounds that match the story (car sounds, animal sounds)
- Change your voice to match each character in the story
Where to find books
- Public library
- Book stores/ Children’s book stores
- Borrow from friends
- Garage/yard/rummage sales
- Make up your own book using family photos or pictures from magazines
The therapists at Speech Therapy Works are speech language specialists working with children with a variety of disorders. You can call us on (416) 553-0729 or email info@speechtherapyworks.ca for additional information.