Book reading time is likely a cherished ritual in your life as a family. However, what if I told you we could make it even more magical, even more impactful for your child’s development? Let’s explore simple ways we can incorporate music into your book reading time.
Embed some of the elements of music – rhythm, rhyme and repetition – into your story time. Imagine reading a story and, instead of just speaking the words, you hum a little tune when a character is happy, or create a soft, rhythmic beat or add a familiar melody to enhance the text. It doesn't have to be perfect singing! Just adding a simple melody, a little rhythm, or even sound effects can bring the story to life in a whole new way. Music helps children remember words, anticipate events, and connect emotionally with the narrative. It transforms reading from a passive activity into a multi-sensory experience.
Make your book reading imaginative, fun, and fascinating for your child. Beyond music, there are so many other ways we can make book reading more engaging and interactive. I encourage you to ask questions: "What do you think will happen next?" "How do you think the character feels?" Are they clues in the illustration that can help your child predict what will happen next? Use different voices for each character or invite your child to make the animal sounds. Let them turn the pages, point to objects, or even act out parts of the story. The goal is to make them active participants, not just listeners. This interaction sparks their curiosity, builds their vocabulary, and strengthens their comprehension.
Your shared book choices can have a profound impact on your child’s social-emotional learning. Books are incredible windows into the world and mirrors for our own experiences. When we read stories, we encounter characters who feel happy, sad, angry, or scared. This gives us a safe space to talk about emotions: "Why do you think the bear is feeling grumpy today?" We can discuss how characters solve problems, how they show kindness, or how they navigate friendships. Through these narratives, children develop empathy, learn about different perspectives, and begin to understand their own feelings and how to manage them. Books become powerful tools for building emotional intelligence and friendship skills, one story at a time.
So, let's embrace these simple yet powerful strategies. Let's sing, interact, and connect through books, nurturing your child’s mind - and heart as well.
Here is a bibliography of Anne’s favorite books for young children. Each book offers potential “teachable moments” and ways for you connect with your young child. Include your child’s favorite books as a part of your daily routine of “book looking” and loving!
And check out our sing.play.love. board books for simple and joyful ways you and your child can connect through music, movement and shared moments of discovery.
