How to Promote Language by Reading to Your Child

We already know that reading to our child has multiple benefits. They are introduced to new vocabulary, they get to spend the one-on-one time with you, it is a bonding experience. You can take it one step further by using these tips to promote language development by  reading to your child

​Read with enthusiasm and expression

Use different voices for different characters. You may feel silly doing it but it helps children differentiate the characters in the story. They also love hearing you do it!
Match your expressions and body language to the punctuations. Words like “Wow!” and “Boom!” can be spoken slightly louder than the rest of the words. Use hand gestures (if possible while holding a book) or bounce if the child is sitting in your lap. Question words like, “How?”, “Who?” and “Where?”, you can raise your hands with palms facing up.

Explore the pictures

Make connections between the picture and what the child already knows. “See the puppy? Grandma has a puppy like that,” or “The boy is going to the library. Remember when we went to the library?”
Point out objects in the picture to help with vocabulary and categorization. “I see a sand bucket, a shovel and a towel. The girl is wearing sunglasses. Those are all things you need at the beach.”
Recognize facial expressions. Pointing out specific facial features and combining them with a named emotion not only helps with language, but can help develop the child’s social/emotional awareness as well. “Look at his scrunched eyebrows. His face looks red. I bet he’s mad,” or “She is smiling. She looks happy."

Ask questions

Asking questions boosts comprehension and keeps the child engaged. “Why do you think she did that?”, “Where do you think they’re going?”, “Would you ever do that?”

Do you use these strategies? Let me know what tips/tricks you use while reading to your child!