Reading to your child is one of the most rewarding experiences you can share. Whether it’s a cozy story from a beloved paper book or an engaging e-book on your tablet, the benefits are immense. Not only does it foster a deep bond between you and your little one, but it also plays a crucial role in their growth. We often just read the story, but research shows that turning storytime into a dialogue maximizes the benefits your child gains from reading.
One powerful method to enhance storytime is called dialogic reading. Instead of passively reading the story, you can use dialogic reading to encourage children to actively participate in the storytelling. This interactive approach not only makes the experience more engaging but also boosts your child’s language and literacy skills, along with their social and emotional development.
The CROWD technique makes dialogic reading simple and enjoyable. Here’s how you can use it:
- Completion Questions: These are fill-in-the-blank questions that prompt your child to complete a word or phrase. For example, when re-reading a book, you might say, “Brown bear, brown bear, what do you ___?”, pause, waiting for your child to fill in “see.” This helps your child learn to predict and recall words.
- Recall Questions: These questions require your child to remember details from the story. You might ask, “Where did the rabbit hide?” This helps reinforce memory and understanding of the story’s events.
- Open-ended Questions: These encourage your child to respond in their own words. For example, “What do you think will happen next?” This stimulates their imagination and verbal skills.
- Wh- Questions: These questions start with who, what, where, when, and why. You can point to a picture and ask, “What is the bear holding in this picture?” or “Why do you think the dog is sad?” This type of question builds vocabulary and comprehension.
- Distancing Questions: These questions help your child relate the story to their own life. You might ask, “Can you think of a time when you helped someone, just like the character?” This encourages them to make connections between the story and their own experiences.
By using these CROWD questions, you can turn storytime into a meaningful interaction that boosts your child’s development. So next time you cuddle up for a story, try these dialogic reading techniques and watch your child’s love for reading and learning grow!
