How to Read With Your Child (Not Just To Them)
At Tiny Hoppers Oshawa, story time is one of our favourite parts of the day. You might picture children sitting quietly while an educator reads a book from beginning to end, but in reality, our story times are often full of giggles, questions, predictions, sound effects, and excited little voices shouting,
“I know what happens next!”
Because the truth is…
The most powerful reading doesn’t happen when children simply listen.
It happens when they participate.
And the same is true at home.
Reading Isn’t Just About Words on a Page
When we think about teaching children to read, we often focus on letters and sounds. But early literacy actually starts much earlier.
Long before children can read independently, they are learning how to:
- Listen and focus
- Understand new vocabulary
- Predict what happens next
- Express ideas and feelings
- Build imagination
- Develop a love of books
All of this happens simply by sharing stories together.
That’s why at Tiny Hoppers, we don’t just read to children, we read with them.
And you can do the same at home with just a few small changes.
What’s the Difference Between Reading To vs. Reading With?
Reading TO a child:
- Adult reads all the words
- Child listens quietly
- Story ends
Reading WITH a child:
- Child talks, predicts, and asks questions
- Adult pauses and interacts
- Story becomes a conversation
Think of it less like a performance…
and more like a shared experience.
Simple Ways to Make Story Time Interactive
Here are some easy, fun strategies you can try tonight:
- Pause and Wonder Together
Instead of reading straight through, pause and ask:
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “Why do you think she looks sad?”
- “What would you do?”
This builds critical thinking and comprehension skills while helping children feel involved in the story.
- Let Your Child “Read” the Pictures
Even toddlers can participate.
Try:
- “What do you see on this page?”
- “Can you find the dog?”
- “Tell me what’s happening here.”
Picture reading helps children learn storytelling, sequencing, and vocabulary—important early literacy foundations.
At Tiny Hoppers, we often see children confidently “retell” entire stories just by looking at illustrations!
- Get Silly With Voices and Sounds
Children LOVE this.
- Give characters funny voices
- Add sound effects (knock knock, roar, splash!)
- Whisper or read dramatically
This keeps children engaged and makes books memorable and exciting.
Bonus: it builds listening skills and attention span without feeling like “learning.”
- Follow Their Lead
Sometimes your child wants to:
- Skip pages
- Read the same page five times
- Talk about something unrelated
- Ask a million questions
That’s okay.
It means they’re engaged.
Story time doesn’t have to be perfect or linear. When children take the lead, they’re practicing curiosity and confidence.
- Connect the Story to Real Life
After reading, try:
- “Have you ever felt like that character?”
- “This reminds me of when we went to the park.”
- “What was your favorite part?”
Making connections helps children understand their own experiences and emotions.
“But My Child Won’t Sit Still…”
Totally normal! For young children, movement and learning go hand in hand.
At Tiny Hoppers Oshawa, you’ll often see children:
- Standing while listening
- Turning pages
- Acting out parts of the story
- Holding props
If your child wiggles, walks around, or plays while you read, it doesn’t mean they aren’t listening.
They probably are!
Try keeping books short, playful, and pressure-free.
Remember: the goal is connection, not perfection.
Why This Matters So Much
When reading becomes interactive and enjoyable, children begin to associate books with:
- Comfort
- Bonding
- Fun
- Safety
And that’s what builds lifelong readers.
Not worksheets.
Not flashcards.
But warm, shared moments together.
These everyday story times—both at home and at Tiny Hoppers Oshawa lay the foundation for language, confidence, and a genuine love of learning.
Try This Tonight
At bedtime or after dinner, pick one book and try just one of these:
✔ Ask two “what do you think” questions
✔ Let your child tell part of the story
✔ Use silly voices
✔ Talk about your favourite page
Small changes make a big difference.
