5 Ways to Make Story Time More Meaningful

#1 Parts of the Book

Have your children identify parts of the books, the front cover, back cover, spine and title page. Always let them know who the author and illustrator are and what those roles mean! You can sing this “Parts of the Book” song to the tune of “Bumping Up and Down in my Little Red Wagon” while you point to the corresponding part so they remember. After you’ve made this song part of your routine, you can pause and let them fill in the blanks. 

Front cover, back cover, spine and title page

Front cover, back cover, spine and title page

Front cover, back cover, spine and title page

These are the parts of the book

#2 Identification

Have younger children identify items and images on each page. As they begin learning the alphabet, you can ask them to find you a specific letter.

#3 Make Predictions

Have older children make predictions before turning the page. This supports abstract thought, having a child imagine a reality they’re not existing within or haven’t read about yet. This also supports reading comprehension because they have to understand what they’ve read to make a logical prediction.

#4 Perspective Taking

Ask abstract questions about what the characters might be feeling so they can practice perspective taking. It’s developmentally appropriate for young children to only recognize their own experience, but we can invite them to consider other people’s or characters’ perspectives too. 

#5 Vocab

Throughout your whole story time use vocabulary like plot, setting, and character to get them familiar with these literacy concepts.