Reading aloud is one of the simplest ways to build vocabulary, attention and a love of books. It keeps paying off long after children can read on their own. Here are 15 tips that make it easier and more fun.

Before you start

  1. Let your child choose (offer two or three options).
  2. Preview the book so you know the twists.
  3. Find a cosy, regular spot. See our cosy fall reading routine.

While you read

  1. Use different voices, even badly. Kids love it.
  2. Change your pace: slow for suspense, fast for chases.
  3. Pause and ask "What do you think will happen?"
  4. Point to words for early readers.
  5. Talk about the pictures.
  6. Let them finish repeated lines ("…and he huffed and he puffed!").

Grab the free reading log 📚

A clean, print-ready log to track books, minutes, and little wins — plus the occasional reading tip. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

After the story

  1. Ask one open question: "What was your favourite part?"
  2. Connect it to life: "Have you ever felt like that?"
  3. Re-read favourites. Repetition builds fluency.
  4. Try the book chat questions for any book.

Keep it going

  1. Stop while they still want more.
  2. Track read-alouds in the free Pagine app. They count toward reading streaks.

Need books? Try free picture books online or the seasonal fall collection.

Keep reading aloud after your child can read alone. Hearing books above their reading level grows vocabulary and comprehension.

Find thousands of free read-alouds in Pagine.

Browse free books →