8 Ways to make story time fun

Toddlers and preschoolers have an attention span of around 10 - 12 minutes, and once it’s exhausted, learning and listening are no longer fun for them. So when it comes to story time mix it up a bit. Use one or two of these ideas for each book you read and make story time as fun and as interactive as possible.

Toddlers and preschoolers have an attention span of around 10 - 12 minutes, and once it’s exhausted, learning and listening are no longer fun for them.

So when it comes to story time mix it up a bit. Use one or two of these ideas for each book you read and make story time as fun and as interactive as possible.

8 Ways to make story time fun for toddlers & preschoolers

Here are 8 ways to make story time more enjoyable next time you're reading to your toddler or preschooler.

1. Select the right story

Choose books for story time that are age appropriate for your toddler or preschooler.

Books that have clear story lines, illustrations, rhythmic language and interesting vocabulary.

2. Make a connection with the story

Try to connect each book with your toddler or preschooler's prior knowledge or personal experiences.

Something that’s familiar to them and that they can relate to.

3. Enjoy learning together

Think about what you want your toddler or preschooler to learn from the book.

Identify concepts to develop, vocabulary to discuss and questions you want to ask.

4. Discuss the book cover

Before reading the book, encourage your toddler or preschooler to look at the book cover, describe what they see and predict what the story is going to be about.

5. Talk about the book's lifecycle

Talk to your toddler or preschooler about how the book came to be with you today.

Discuss the role of the author (writes the words), the illustrator (draws the pictures), the printer (produces the book) and the retailer (sells the book).

6. Understand the components of a book

Talk to your toddler or preschooler about what makes up a book.

Point out the spine, front and back covers, pages etc.

7. Put on a show when you're reading the book

Be expressive when you’re telling a story. Use facial expressions and voice variations to add excitement and to bring the characters in the book alive.

8. Summarise the story

After reading the book, review the story plot and help your toddler or preschooler to summarise the story themselves if they’re old enough.

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