My child loves to listen to books we choose together. How can we make the most of read aloud time?
Talk about the book as you read, as well as when you finish the story. Naturally, adjust the probes and questions to your child’s level.
While You Read…
Define vocabulary words.
Talk about when and where the story takes place (setting).
Look for details in the pictures and discuss.
Make connections between the text and your child’s life.
Ask: What do you think will happen next?
Ask: What do you think will happen at the end?
Ask: How do you think (the character) feels? Why?
After you have read, ask:
What was the most important point of this story?
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Who was your favorite character? Why?
Encourage your child to give you a simple summary of the story. Were details included? Are the shared events in a sequential order?
No need to ask all of these questions for each story you read, just be sure to have a good balance and to always enjoy reading together.
Stephanie Sigal M.A. CCC-SLP is a private speech language therapist in Manhattan. She works with children in their Upper East Side homes. Stephanie specializes in language delay and articulation delay with children, as well as kindergarten prep.