Interactive Book Reading:

Interactive book reading is a highly effective strategy used by educators, caregivers, and speech therapists to engage children in the reading process and promote language development, comprehension, and literacy skills. Here’s how to conduct an interactive book reading session:

Choose the Right Book:

1. Select a book that is age-appropriate and aligns with the child’s interests and developmental level.
2. Consider books with engaging illustrations, predictable patterns, and repetitive phrases that encourage participation.

Before Reading:

1. Set the stage by introducing the book’s title, author, and illustrator.
2. Encourage the child to make predictions about the story based on the cover or title.
3. Preview any new vocabulary words or concepts that may be encountered in the book.

During Reading:

1. Read the story aloud, using expressive and engaging voice tones.
2. Pause frequently to ask open-ended questions, prompt discussions, and encourage interaction. For example:
   • “What do you think will happen next?”
   • “Can you find the (specific object) in this picture?”
   • “How do you think the character is feeling?”
3. Encourage the child to actively participate by:
   • Pointing to and labeling objects in the illustrations.
   • Completing repetitive phrases or rhymes.
   • Making connections between the story and their own experiences.
   • Predicting outcomes or solving problems presented in the story.
4. Provide explanations and expand on ideas to enhance comprehension and vocabulary development.

After Reading:

1. Facilitate discussions about the story, characters, and key events.
2. Encourage the child to retell the story in their own words or act out scenes using props or puppets.
3. Connect the story to real-life experiences, emotions, or lessons learned.
4. Reinforce literacy skills by engaging in related activities such as drawing, writing, or creating crafts inspired by the story.

Tips:

1. Be enthusiastic and animated while reading to maintain the child’s interest and attention.
2. Follow the child’s lead and adapt the level of interaction based on their responses and engagement.
3. Encourage turn-taking and active participation by allowing the child to ask questions or share their thoughts and reactions.
4. Keep the reading experience enjoyable and positive, fostering a love for books and learning.

Interactive book reading not only enhances language and literacy skills but also strengthens the bond between the reader and the child, creating meaningful and memorable experiences that support overall development and learning.

https://thedabblingspeechie.com/2020/10/shared-book-reading-speech-therapy/