Tips On How to Read Books to Engage Children

Recently I attended National Bookshop Day at my local bookshop. An excited crowd packed the small space, waiting for story reading time, and the opportunity to speak with local children’s book authors and illustrators. Chrissy’s Organic Food tempted our taste buds while we waited. A table was packed with the children’s books on offer by these local celebs. The fact that by the time story reading time came around and there was only about five children deterred no-one. 

As the first author was introduced, an excited hush fell over the crowd as all, adults included, leaned forward to listen to the first author read her story to the children. I had looked at the book earlier and I liked the story. It was a very lovely, enjoyable story. I had met the author earlier and she was delightful.

How to bore children

During her presentation I did learn a few things if you want to lose the children’s interest:

1. Hold the book so that the children can’t see the pictures, and you can’t either.
2. This leads to you stumbling over words and reading the wrong sentence
3. Read quickly and don’t stop too often to ask the children what they think about the picture, the story or anything really.

When I mentioned these observations to a friend, she replied that, “Not everyone who can write can present the story well to a crowd of children.,” (or something to that effect).

The third presenter read a story out of a compilation of stories. Picking one she started to read. I learned further how to lose the children’s interest.

1. Read to the adults
   
2. Make it clear that you are not reading to the children

Why I did I skip from the first presenter and straight to the last? The second presenter did not bore the children. 

Here’s is what I learnt from the second presenter on how to read a story to children, and entertain them:

1. Hold book up to the side so that the children on the floor can see the pictures, and you can see the words
2. Tell them a little about yourself. This presenter was the illustrator of the book. She also mentioned throughout her presentation funny stories about things happened to her.
3. Take your time with the story. There is no need to rush. Ask the children questions about the story… what do they think? 
4. Read with emotion
5. Speak loud enough so that all can hear you
6. Hold an activity after the reading that is relevant to the story… if appropriate of course.

What about you? Have you got any tips to share about reading stories to entertain children?