How to read aloud to children

Reading aloud is the simplest and most powerful thing you can do to help a child become a reader. It builds vocabulary and attention, and it also builds something harder to measure: a sense that books are warm, shared and fun.

Children benefit from being read to well beyond the age at which they can read alone. Many families keep reading aloud right through primary school, and even beyond.

Get comfortable

• Choose a cosy spot. A sofa, a beanbag or the edge of the bed all work.
• Sit close. Let your child see the pictures and lean on you.
• Turn off distractions. Put away phones and switch off the TV.
• Do not aim for perfection. A few minutes of relaxed reading is worth more than a long, tense session.

Reading techniques that work

1. Preview the book. Read it yourself first so you know where the jokes and the tricky words are.
2. Use different voices. They do not have to be good. A deep voice for a bear and a squeaky one for a mouse is enough.
3. Slow down. Reading more slowly than you think you should gives children time to take in the words and pictures.
4. Pause for effect. A short silence before a big reveal builds excitement.
5. Let them join in. For repeated lines, wait and let your child supply the words.
6. Point to the pictures. Show details and let children find things.
7. Stop to chat. Talk about what is happening, but not so often that it breaks the story.

Questions that start conversations

Instead of asking quiz questions such as “What colour is the dog?”, try open questions that invite children to think:

• “What do you think will happen next?”
• “How do you think she feels?”
• “Why do you think he did that?”
• “What would you do?”
• “What was your favourite part?”

Ideas for different ages

Babies: Short, rhythmic books, lots of cuddles and silly faces.

Toddlers: Let them pick the book and turn the pages. Do not worry about finishing.

Preschoolers: Pause so they can fill in the rhymes and predict what comes next.

Early readers: Take turns with pages or chapters. Read books harder than they can manage alone.

Older children: Read a longer novel a chapter at a time. Many children love this, and it gives you something to talk about.

When a child will not sit still

Squirming is normal, and many children listen better while they move.

• Let them draw, build or play quietly while you read.
• Keep it short and stop before they get bored.
• Choose interactive books with flaps, sounds or repeated lines.
• Try again later. The time of day matters. Some children listen best after a bath or at bedtime.

Reading in a second language

If you read to your child in Irish, or any language other than English, that is wonderful. You do not need to be fluent. See our guide to Irish-language children’s books.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I read aloud each day?

Many educators suggest around 10 to 20 minutes, but any regular time is good. Consistency matters more than length.

Is it okay to skip words or shorten a book?

Of course. Adapt books to your child’s mood, and stop when the energy drops. You can always pick up again tomorrow.

My child wants the same book over and over. Should I worry?

Not at all. Repetition helps children learn language and gives them a sense of control. It is a healthy part of development.

Can audiobooks replace reading aloud?

They are a good supplement, especially for long journeys or independent listening. But reading aloud together offers closeness and conversation that a recording cannot.