PBS KIDS Share a Story inspires adults to help millions of children develop language and literacy skills through simple and fun daily activities, including reading, storytelling, rhyming and singing.

Share a Story, Shape the Future
When children's brains are nourished by words, they are better prepared to read and succeed in school.

Any family member or caregiver, regardless of wealth, education or native language, can help enhance a child's reading success by engaging in simple and fun activities.

Reading aloud, sharing stories, singing songs and making rhymes teach children important lessons about words and how we use them.

Welcome Every Adventure
One of the best ways to increase a child's vocabulary, and prepare him or her to read, is to read aloud every day. Below you will find tips and ideas on filling a child's world with words, from babies to first-graders.

Learn how children become readers and writers and how YOU can help them develop by talking, reading, and writing together every day by visiting PBS Parents Reading and Language.

Babies (Birth to 18 Months)
Birth to Six Months: Newborns are calmed by the sounds of lullabies and nursery rhymes in their first stories. By four months, a baby will show interest in books by chewing on them or throwing them.

Six to 12 Months: Looking at the books together, and talking about the pictures, will enhance a baby's interest in a story. Invite eight- and nine-month-olds to turn the pages.

12 to 18 Months: Babies delight in reading books with adults. Babies are natural explorers, so choose books with special fabrics and textures they can touch and feel. They will turn pages, name objects and begin to enjoy simple stories.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Recite nursery rhymes and sing songs to newborns.
  
• Introduce books to babies at around four months old.
  
• Establish a regular reading routine by your baby's first birthday.
  
• Visit your local library. It's fun for you and your baby.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Show toddlers that books are special. Encourage care when handling books.
  
• Read a variety of books. Keep it interesting for you and your toddler.
  
• Build reading into an everyday routine. Bedtime and naptime are often favorites.
  
• Talk to your toddler as you read. Label objects and ask questions.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Point out the author and illustrator. Let them know someone created their book.
  
• Point out each word with your finger. This reinforces spoken/written word relationships.
  
• Read and reread favorite books every day. Young children delight in predictability.
  
• Read books with a variety of characters. This stimulates imagination.
  
• Ask questions about the story. This helps link your child's life with the story.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Establish a special time for reading aloud every day.
  
• Read different kinds of books together. Variety broadens knowledge and vocabulary.
  
• Talk about more than just the plot of the story. Ask why things happened and why characters acted in a certain way.
  
• Let the child read, and offer help only when asked or needed.
  
• Read aloud both short chapter books and longer picture books.
  
• Don't limit reading to books. Encourage the reading of signs, shopping lists, menus, etc.

Tips for Reading Aloud

• Discuss the book before, during and after it's read to develop reading comprehension.
  
• Encourage the child to correct reading errors by asking questions, such as: "Did that make sense?" "Does that sound right?"
  
• Reread books to help beginners become more fluent readers.
  
• Make sure your child reads books at a comfortable level. Make it positive, not frustrating.
  
• Don't be tempted to stop reading to your new reader! Read aloud books that are too difficult for the new reader.