Reading Develops Language Skills in 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.