23-05-2025
Read 2 Succeed: Keep the reading spark alive this summer
Provided by Read 2 Succeed (R2S), a local independent literacy nonprofit in Asheville supporting children 0 – 5, elementary students, families and community partners. Learn more at
As the school year winds down, one of the most enjoyable ways to keep the reading spark alive with your kids is through simple, fun read-alouds. You don't need a teaching degree to make story time special! Here are five easy ideas to try:
Before you even start reading the story, take a peek at the front and back covers, the colorful jacket, and even the spine. Ask your child, "What do you think this book will be about just by looking at the front and back?" or "Did you know we can sometimes find out about the author on one of these first pages?" It's like a little treasure hunt before the adventure begins!
As you read, encourage your child to make predictions of all kinds. What do they think will happen next? How do they think the character feels based on their facial expressions? Why will a character do what they think they will do? Even silly guesses are great! This helps their brains think about the story and use their imaginations.
The pictures in a story have so much more to say than the words sometimes. Pause during your read-alouds to explore illustrations. Are there little hidden clues as to what else is happening in the story? Can you tell how characters feel based on how they are drawn? Can you tell the time of day or setting of the story? Have fun looking at the drawings and then letting your child make their own!
Highlight vocabulary words as you read and stop to discuss their meaning and how the words are used in the story. Not sure what words to focus on? A good rule of thumb is to pull out words with multiple meanings, new or unfamiliar words, and words where your child's understanding of them can grow over time. For example, the word 'blue' can be a color as well as a feeling.
The well-known sequence of 'Who? What? When? Where? Why?' aptly fits the formula for comprehension questions to ask your child during read-alouds. Even if it feels too simple for you as an adult, a young reader's ability to identify characters, the sequence of events, settings, character motivations, and plot lend themselves to building a robust set of comprehension skills that will apply across different texts and future school grades.
Download a free printable Family Reading Guide from Read 2 Succeed with these pro tips and more read-alouds a regular part of your day doesn't have to be complicated. These little moments of sharing stories can build a strong foundation for reading and create wonderful memories together. Happy reading!
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This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: 5 ways to make story time special
