1) Have a regular reading time and place. My son and I read at bedtime on the bed. It's comfortable, we're most relaxed and we're not interupted.
2) Take turns choosing books. When I read out a story that I really enjoy, it adds to my child's enjoyment.
3) Negotiate the amount of reading time, also what books to buy, which ones to borrow and which to swap with friends.
4) Introduce the book in an interesting way. If it's about dogs, show it and ask, "What do you think this book is about? or "What do you like about dogs?" or " What do think happens in this story?"
5) Sometimes change the vocabulary to the child's level. Other times explain the words. Decide what way is best for the particular moment.
6) Don't feel obligated to read from the text. Sometimes it is better to tell the story in your own words. It can also be more interesting.
7) Read with expression. Repeat phrases that you find enjoyable. Give characters voices. Have the child join in at key moments. This develops skills and makes reading more fun.
8) Sometimes, a story is like a performance - not to be interupted. Other times, a story is a tool to stimulate ideas and imagination and to bring us together in a pleasant way. My son and I sometimes make comments all the way through or even drift off into conversation.
9) Discuss the story
afterwards. Encourage questions and opinions.
Why did characters do what
they did? What was a favourite moment or illustration? What would the child
do in a similar situation?
10) Books can be used for modelling. Connect it to the child's world. When my child had problems sharing, we discussed how a story character learned to share. When my child had fears, we noticed how a character overcame fear. We've had these discussions shortly after reading a book or later when a comparable situation came up.
11) Connect the story to other activities. The child may enjoy drawing a scene from the story or acting out the characters with toy figures.
12) Tell your own story - make up a new story or create a sequel to an old story. Tell a family tale, fairy tale or a story of a movie or book the child hasn't seen. (Robinson Crusoe, Around the World in 80 Days.) Sometimes I retell the story of a movie we both liked (E.T.)
13) A child may want you to read or tell the story again and again. Great. Special learning is going on. You are doing a terrific job!