If you are blessed enough to be able to offer a reading group in a local library, school, or daycare, you may be looking for tips on how to make it as successful as possible. Here are some tips to help you hold a successful story hour:
Hold the book at just below shoulder level slightly off center from your chest. This draws the children’s attention to the book and to you, so they do not have to choose what to look at you or the book. It also allows them to follow along with the words which promote reading skill development and a sense of engagement. Feeling engaged and part of the process increases their sense of belonging and trust in their capabilities as a reader.
Smile wide and open your eyes wide to mimic a tone of excitement. Children naturally read faces to determine how they should feel and will respond with a burst of endorphins to help match your mood. This is a simple survival mechanism built into their systems.
Use fun voices as you sweep your arm out to the group of children or open your hand palm up and hold it out to the only child you are reading to. These gestures invite the child to feel pulled into the story and to settle into the silliness of the experience. This helps them feel included and safe. Furthermore, the usage of an engaging and gentle tone helps the child feel confident and safe which helps them form a positive association with the reading experience.
When the book is done, close the book with a happy clap and lean forward with a changed tone to end the book either stating the end or to be continued depending on the accuracy of the statement. Invite the children to ask questions and share their favorite parts of the story. Change your tone to reflect agreement and excitement by raising the tone or lowering it as appropriate. This helps the child stay engaged and maintains their attention as our brains are wired to notice changes in tone and movement.
Act excited through leaning forward or suddenly sitting up straight and gasping with a smile to listen to the children respond. This fosters a sense of independence and self-assurance that will benefit the child socially and developmentally.
