Ways to make story time with your kid special
On the off chance that reading to your child has become somewhat of a yawn, here are a few hints to assist you with bringing the enchantment back of story time!
Cuddling next to your child with a book in hand is a wonderful way to bond with your little one. From friendly giants to tiny fairies, storybooks have a unique power to inspire children’s imaginations. Sometimes, however, reading out loud to your child every night can feel a bit like a chore. Here are some tips you can try to make storytime with your child more exciting.
Timetable storytime: Many moms, especially working moms, will say they don’t have the time to read to their children, but all you really need is a short window of time. According to some experts, half an hour is ideal, but if you only have 15 minutes, you should use them well. One suggestion is to select what you’re going to read the night before, in the morning, and to scan the book beforehand, so you know what the stories are.
Snuggle up: One of the most valuable storytelling aspects is the one-on-one bonding time between you and your toddler. The importance is in the contact, according to Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. “Putting your child on your lap and holding the book can be far more nurturing than the act of reading itself.”
Try not to be modest: If you lack confidence in your own reading ability, remember your toddler is already your biggest fan. In fact, they really don’t care if you make mistakes or if you mix up a word. Try to see the story as a framework – you’ll quickly catch on that how you fill it out is very much up to you!
Don’t be a “book-tator”: When you’re a mom with a never-ending to-do list, it’s tempting to stick to the script and get it over and done with. Take your cues from your child. Remember, if your child stops you, it’s because there are bits of information he’s trying to grasp.
Do horse around: Make your story as engaging as possible. Don’t be shy to put on an accent, jump around and be silly. Have fun with the story, and your child will too.
Do rehash: As much as we all love The Gruffalo, by the time you’ve ventured into the deep dark wood for the third night in a row, you may feel a bit gruff too. It can be tiresome, we know, but bear in mind that repetition is extremely beneficial for your child. The reason he wants to read the same book, again and again, is because he’s been able to build a relationship with it and a sense that, in the future, he can control the way a story goes.
Don’t dodge serious books: Nobody wants to see their child get scared, but telling stories about difficult topics can be a great way to help conquer any fears or uncertainties they have. When you’re reading a story, you have the opportunity to stop and talk to your little one about things taking place within it.
