Reading stories to children is a beneficial activity for their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Whether through a children’s story app like The Dream Box or a physical book, reading is an excellent activity. But should it be limited to bedtime reading? No, according to experts in children’s literature and pedagogy. Reading stories to children during the day has many benefits, provided certain principles are followed. Here are some tips to make reading a moment of pleasure and exchange with your children, regardless of the time of day.
Choose books that are age-appropriate and align with your children’s interests.
There is a wide variety of children’s books, ranging from illustrated albums to novels, including fairy tales, comics, or documentaries. It’s important to choose books that are suitable for your children’s age and interests to spark their interest and curiosity. You can refer to the recommendations from publishers, but also follow your intuition and listen to your children’s desires. Don’t hesitate to explore different genres and themes to introduce them to various literary worlds and styles.
Create an environment conducive to reading.
To make reading a pleasant and relaxed moment, it’s essential to create an environment conducive to concentration and immersion. Choose a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place where you won’t be disturbed by noise or external distractions. Settle down with your children on a sofa, an armchair, or a carpet, making them feel that you are available and attentive. Turn off the television, phone, or any other devices that might distract your attention.
Adapt the pace and duration of reading to the time of day.
Reading can be done at any time of the day, but it’s important to consider your children’s rhythm and mood. In the morning, opt for dynamic and stimulating books to put them in a good mood for the day. At noon, choose short and fun books for an enjoyable lunch break. In the afternoon, favor longer and more complex books that encourage reflection and imagination. In the evening, read soft and calming books that help them relax and fall asleep.
Interact with your children during reading.
Reading stories to children is not just a transmission of information; it’s also an exchange of emotions, opinions, and impressions. Therefore, it’s important to interact with your children during reading by asking them questions, commenting on the images or texts, and asking what they understood or felt. You can also actively involve them in the reading by letting them choose the book, turn the pages, repeat words, or invent the continuation. This way, you will encourage their engagement and understanding.
Continue the discussion after reading.
Reading doesn’t end with the last page of the book. It’s interesting to continue the discussion with your children after reading to delve into the themes, relate them to their experiences or knowledge, or inspire them to read other books on the same subject or by the same author. You can also suggest activities related to the book, such as drawing the characters, writing a sequel or a letter to the author, or researching additional information on the internet or in a library.