reading
Reading together is the best way to help your child become a strong reader.
Game: Shining the Spotlight
Related to: Telling a Story, Read
Retell a favourite story using your child's name...
Story: Key to the Kingdom
Related to: Telling a Story, Read
Jennifer shows everyone how they hold the “key to the kingdom” with this interactive story.
Game: Fun Family Fort Night
Related to: Liking Books, Read
Make a fort at home using pillows and blankets...
reading Tips
- Find books with cut-outs, lift-the-flaps, pop-ups or anything that moves. Kids love them! Look for scratch-and-sniff elements and sounds.
- Gain knowledge together by reading books on many different topics. Non-fiction or information books use different words than those used in stories. Exposing your child to new information, science and math concepts improves her reading comprehension.
- Bring a sense of adventure to your reading. Read with humour, expression and enthusiasm. Give the story characters different voices. Make your voice loud or soft, high or low. Read faster or slower to fit the story, and add pauses for dramatic effect. Play with adding sounds. Try using a puppet or stuffed animal to help read or tell a story. Involve the whole family in stories.
Six skills that get your child ready for reading
Liking Books
Children who enjoy books will want to learn to read.
Hearing words
Hearing the smaller sounds in words helps children sound out written words.
Knowing words
Knowing many words helps children recognize written words and understand what they read.
Telling a story
Learning to tell a story helps children develop skills in thinking and understanding.
Seeing words
Familiarity with printed language helps children feel comfortable with books and reading.
Knowing letters
Knowing the names and sounds of letters helps children sound out words.
Dial-a-Story
Call 416-395-5400 anytime and listen to stories in 16 different languages.
Raising Confident Kids
A series of workshops for parents and caregivers.
Storytime at Home
Fun virtual storytimes filled with great books, rhymes and songs. Watch anytime on YouTube and sing along!