Sharing books – Child

Sharing simple story books with children can be a favourite way to share time together.

Did you know?

Children will become very familiar with their favourite story books.

Swap roles and ask your child to tell the story to you or take turns.

Add language

Start to guess what will happen next in the story or talk about why something happened. Explore together how we know the character is happy, sad, angry, frustrated or jealous. This helps develop more complex skills such as predicting the story line and recognizing emotions.

Variations

Visit your local library to discover new books. Young children feel important when they can have their own library borrower’s card!

You could visit your local library’s story time sessions. Check with your local council for session times.

Books are easy to take along on outings during which your child may have to wait.

You could try acting out the story from a familiar book. This gives them practice at story re-tell skills they will need for school.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. Check out sharing books for babies, toddlers and playgroups.

Activities listed under “child” are suitable for children 3 years and older.  Children of this age enjoy more complex activities where they can develop their skills and use their imagination while playing with friends.