Reading and looking at books together with your child is an great way to help them learn new communication skills.  Here are some tips to make the most out of reading time:

1. Start Early. Even from infancy, reading to your child can have a positive impact on their language skills. Choose books with colorful pictures and simple words.

2. Make it Interactive.  Take turns pointing to pictures and naming them.  Encourage your child to describe what they see.

3. Use Lots of Expression!  Read with enthusiasm and use different voices for different characters. This can make the story more engaging and help your child understand how the different characters feel. 

4. Read it Again!  Children have favorite books, and they enjoy hearing the same story over and over again.  It’s perfect to read your child’s favorite books as many times as they want to hear them.

5. Talk About the Story Together.  As your child grows, they will naturally progress from naming the pictures, to finishing your sentence, to talking about the events in the story.   Ask your child to tell you what they think will happen next.

6. Use Books With Repetitive Text.  A children’s book with the same sentence repeated throughout is often called a “repetitive” or “pattern” book.  This type of book is ideal for having your child chime in and ‘read’ the book along with you.

7. Relate to Real Life.  Connect the events in the book to your child’s own experiences or daily routines. This helps them make sense of the story.

8. Create a Reading Routine.  Establish a regular reading routine, such as reading before bedtime.  Consistency helps your child associate reading with comfort and enjoyment.  Make reading at bedtime your favorite time of the day1