Any parent with a preschooler at home has inevitably asked themselves, or maybe their child, this question. Children enjoy hearing the same book again and again, never growing tired of the story. Should these stories be read over and over?
Researchers have found that children who read early have been read to by their parents. Many of the same books are chosen time and time again. These repeated readings are beneficial for the child. Story re-telling becomes more elaborate, vocabulary increases, and comprehension is furthered with each read.
To add variety and depth to repeated storybook readings, try these simple adaptations:
Have your child "read" the story to you. Even if they have not fully developed their reading skills, children who are familiar with a particular story can retell it vividly.
Make puppets together and act out a favorite scene.
Ask "What would happen if..." questions about the story. For example, "What would happen if the wolf in The Three Little Pigs had asthma?" or have your child ask his or her own questions.
Illustrate new endings to familiar stories
Visit the local library and help your child find a book by the same author or on a similar theme.
These adaptations can extend storybook re-readings, which may further the vocabulary and comprehension skills of the child.
Learning to Read and Write (2000, p. 10) Much More than ABC’s (1999) Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children (1999, p. 74 and 76)
Comments