Guide to Reading at Home with Children Questions for adults to ask themselves before reading • What do you like about reading? And/or what do you not like about
reading?
• What types of books do you like to read? How do books make you feel? Art by Alina Chau for Bonnie’s Rocket
• Do you remember reading your favorite stories when you were little?
Which books were your favorite? Why?
• What do you like about reading with your child? What makes you
hesitant about reading with your child?
• What is your favorite book that you like to read together? What do you
like about it?
• Are you happy with your family’s reading habits? • Why is reading important to you to share with your child?
Questions to ask children during and after the story • What do you like about this book? What
would we tell a friend about this book?
• What do you think the author wants to share
with us (the readers)?
• Is this similar to another book we have read?
How so?
• What are your feelings after reading this
story: What surprised you in this story?
• What questions do you have after reading
this story?
• What do you want to learn more about? • What is your favorite picture? Why? • Do you want to read this book again (right
now)?
Additional Resources
• Reading Rockets https://www.
readingrockets.org/reading-101-guideparents
• Storyline Online storylineonline.net • Lee & Low Books https://www.leeandlow.
com/educators/caregivers
• ¡Colorín Colorado! https://www.
colorincolorado.org/reading-tip-sheetsparents
How to Read with Your Child
1. Have a small bookcase or dedicated space where your child can keep their books. You can borrow diverse and culturally rich books from the library. 2. Let your child choose which book to read, even if it means rereading the same story many times. Try to be positive about the title they choose to read with you. 3. Every few pages, stop and pause. Ask a question, point things out, and listen to what your child has to say about the pictures before them. 4. Read with expression! Make the stories come alive by changing your tone with the action or using a different voice for each character. 5. At the end of the story, share your favorite parts. What were your favorite characters, illustrations, and new words? Why? What did the story make you think about? 6. Make reading together a routine! Set aside a special time every day, even if it is just ten minutes. You might read together during mealtime, before naptime or bedtime, or while commuting on a train or bus. 7. Sign your child and yourself up for a public library card. Visit the library together to discover new books and for storytimes or other community events. 8. If your child falls in love with a particular character, story, genre, or format, look for more to build upon that interest. Is the book a part of a series? Has the author or illustrator published other books? Is there an audio, tv, or movie adaptation of the book to enjoy together as well? 9. It takes a village! What other adults in your child’s life can read with them? Encourage your child to read with a grandparent, neighbor, or older sibling. Let children bring their favorite book to share with these special adults in their lives.
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