Lots of parents have experienced the ‘favourite book’ … when your child wants to read the same story again, and again, and again. Even a book you like can start to lose its appeal.
But when your child has a choice in which books you share, they’re more likely to have fun reading with you and want to join in with the story.
There are lots of different ways they might show their interest and enjoyment. They might want to pause and talk about the pictures or do an activity that links to the story.
Try to find time each day to look at books together and talk about them.
Children love hearing their favourite stories again and again.
Ask your child to choose their favourite story or, if you’re getting started, help them find a book about their favourite thing (it can be anything – from diggers to dinosaurs or dancers).
When you read the same story, they’ll get to know it and can begin to join in. Encourage them to get involved with repeated parts, rhyming words, noises and actions.
The video below will give you some pointers.
Eventually they will probably be able to tell you the story themselves, or read it to a toy or pet. They might love reading or telling the story in different places like the park or on the bus!
Building an interest in books, even before they can read, will help your child join in with stories with friends and get ready to learn to read when they start school.
If they have enjoyed time looking at books and sharing stories with you, they’ll be excited to learn to read. They might begin to read words they see around your home, in the shops or on the street.
Top tip
Enjoying a story, and knowing it really well, will boost your child's confidence with books, and develop their early reading skills.
