Story Time: How to Read Aloud to Children

Level: Intermediate · Reading time: 6 minutes

Reading aloud is one of the most valuable things you can do with a child. It only takes a few minutes a day, it costs nothing, and it has huge benefits. And here's a secret: it's also one of the best ways to improve your own English.

Why reading aloud matters

It builds language. Books use words that children don't hear in everyday conversation. The more stories children hear, the bigger their vocabulary grows.

It prepares them for school. Children who are read to learn that print has meaning, that we read from left to right, and that letters make sounds.

It builds concentration. Sitting and listening to a story helps children learn to focus.

It creates connection. Snuggling up with a book is a calm, happy time together. Many children remember story time with their nanny for years.

It helps with feelings. Stories about new siblings, starting school or being scared of the dark help children understand their own emotions.

Choosing the right book

AgeWhat works well

0–1 yearBoard books with thick pages, bright pictures, and touch-and-feel textures

1–2 yearsShort books with simple words, repetition, animals and everyday objects

2–3 yearsLift-the-flap books, rhyming stories, and books about routines like bath time and potty training

3–5 yearsLonger picture books with a real story, funny characters and a problem to solve

5+ yearsLonger stories, early readers, and short chapter books read over several days

Let the child choose sometimes, even if it's the same book for the tenth time! Children love repetition because it helps them learn and feel confident.

How to read aloud well

Get comfortable. Sit close together so the child can see the pictures. For babies, sit them on your lap.

Look at the cover first. "What do you think this book is about?"

Use your voice. Change your voice for different characters: a deep voice for the bear, a squeaky voice for the mouse. Read slowly when the story is exciting, and whisper for the quiet parts.

Point at the pictures. "Look! Where's the cat? There he is, hiding under the table!"

Ask questions, but not too many. You don't want to interrupt the story too much.

"What do you think will happen next?"

"How do you think she feels?"

"What would you do?"

Let them join in. Pause before a word they know, especially a rhyming word, and let them finish the sentence.

Don't worry about "doing it wrong". If a child wants to turn the pages, skip to their favourite part, or just look at the pictures, that's fine. The goal is to enjoy books together.

Reading when English isn't your first language

Many nannies feel nervous about reading aloud in English. Here are some tips:

Read the book to yourself first, so you know any difficult words.

Check pronunciation of new words using an online dictionary with audio.

Start with simple books. Picture books for young children are perfect practice for you too.

Don't worry about your accent. Children hear many different accents, and that's good for them.

Ask the parents if they'd also like you to read books in your own language. Many families love their children hearing another language!

Make it part of the routine

The easiest way to read every day is to link it to a routine:

after lunch, before nap time

after bath time, before bed

while waiting at the doctor's

at the library, which is free and often has story time sessions for young children

Useful phrases

"Which book shall we read today?"

"Can you turn the page?"

"Can you find the dog on this page?"

"Uh oh! What do you think will happen?"

"The end! Did you like that story?"

"Shall we read it again?"

Vocabulary

WordMeaning

board booka book with thick cardboard pages for babies

picture booka book with lots of pictures and a short story

lift-the-flap booka book with small flaps that hide pictures

chapter booka longer book divided into parts called chapters

charactera person or animal in a story

to rhymewhen words end with the same sound, like cat and hat

librarya place where you can borrow books for free