Best Way to Read a Picture Book
Read-Aloud Techniques
READING
12/1/20243 min read
Read-Aloud Techniques
Get the Most Out of Reading Time
Did you know that how you set up a reading session can make all the difference?
Whether you’re reading one-on-one or to a group, there are different methods you can keep in mind to ensure an effective and enjoyable reading session. Here are some tips for optimizing your reading time with your child or children:
1. One-on-One Reading Methods
Sit on the Couch with Your Child Next to You
For a cozy, close-up reading experience, sit on the couch with your child beside you. Have your child turn the pages when you cue them. This gives them an active role in the process and helps them feel involved in the story.
Seat the Child on Your Lap
This is another great method for bonding while reading. Your child can sit on your lap and help hold the book, turning the pages as you read. This setup allows them to feel connected to the experience while also learning about book-handling skills.
Sit at a Table
For moments when your child is busy with an activity, like eating or doing crafts, reading at a table can work well. You can each have your own chair so you both have space. This method helps keep their attention focused while allowing them to multitask if they’re in the middle of something like eating or coloring.
2. Reading to a Group
Room for all
When reading to a group of children (three or more), the challenge is often that they all want to sit on your lap! To make sure everyone has an equal experience, try sitting on a chair while the children sit on a couch or on the floor in front of you. This setup allows you to read to the group without anyone feeling left out.
First Listen, Then Look
A great tip when reading to a group is to read the words first and then show the pictures. Instead of holding the book sideways or upside down so that you have to strain when reading the words, simply read the story as if you were reading it to yourself. Then, at the end of each page, show the pictures to the kids.
Giving them a moment to listen before they see the illustrations helps them engage and appreciate the written words, encourages their imagination, and builds listening skills. They will gain more this way than if they look distractedly at the pictures the whole time.
Table Reading
For a more relaxed, hands-off approach, try having children sit at a table doing an activity like coloring or having a snack while you stand in front of them and read. This method keeps them engaged without making them feel too fidgety or “squished,” which often happens when children crowd around you for lap time.
Allowing kids to use noiseless fidgets at the table like play-do or slime can help them focus and feel more relaxed and regulated during a reading session.
Audio books
Audiobooks are really a win-win hack for you and your kids. Whether you turn on an audio book with an accompanying picture book or have the children listen while they color, use fidgets or rest on a bed or mat they still get the benefits! This gives you a break to do your own work or drink your coffee in peace without resorting to screen-time.
For teachers, try setting up an audio book while kids do a craft or have one child come to the front of the class to hold up the picture book for everyone and turn the pages along with the recording. Listening to books read with expression and sound effects can improve student's reading comprehension.
Try It Out!
Experiment with these different methods and see which one works best for your child or group. Whether it’s a quiet one-on-one session or a fun, interactive group reading time, these simple adjustments can make for a calmer and more focused reading session, where everyone gets the most out of the experience.