The Book Trust.org.uk have excellent tips and advice for reading to children.

Here are some tips and ideas for you to enjoy.

You can give children a flying start in life by helping them to become lifelong readers.

Sharing a book with a child is fun!

If you’re not feeling confident about reading aloud or sharing books, don’t worry there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a story together.

It’s never too early to start

It’s never too early to start sharing books with children, they might not understand the words,

but they will love cuddling up, hearing your voice and looking at the pictures.

Talk to your bump.

Your baby can hear sounds as early as 18 weeks and talking regularly to your bump will help them recognise your voice and be comforted listening to you even before they are born.

Give black and white books a go when they’re little.

You might receive a BookstartNewborn pack which includes black and white images for you to share.

These are perfect in the early days when their eyes are still developing.Ask your health visitor or library about where you can pick up your free Bookstart Baby pack. It includes books, tips and advice to help you get started.

Join your local library

Libraries are full of great advice and, recommendations.

You’ll have a new supply of books to enjoy.

Your library may also host”rhymetimes” and other sessions for little ones -you’ll be able to have fun and meet other families too.

Get other family members involved.

Storytime is something that everyone can enjoy, and it’s a great way to bond. For example, there are lots of books about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren- maybe your little one would enjoy sharing one of those stories with their own nanny and grandad?

As your child gets older

Sharing picture books can be a lot of fun- but don’t worry if your child gets distracted, chews the book or wanders off…. that’s perfectly normal!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time in your busy day either -just a few minutes can make a huge difference.

Here are some more tips to help you enjoy story time together

Ask your child to choose what they’d like to read.

They may feel more interested in the story if they’ve picked it out themselves and don’t worry if they keep returning to the same story either.

If you can turn off the TV radio and computer.

It’s easier for both of you to enjoy the story without any distractions.

Sit close together.

You could encourage your child to hold the book themselves and turn the pages too.

Take a look at the pictures.

You don’t have to just read the words on the page.

Maybe there’s something funny in the pictures that you can giggle about together or perhaps your child enjoys getting what will happen next.

Ask questions and talk about the book.

Picture books are a great way to talk through your child’s fears and worries or to help them deal with their emotions.

Give them space to talk and ask them how they feel about situations in the story.

Have fun!

There is no right or wrong way to share a story.

As long as you and your child are having fun.

Don’t be afraid to act up situations or use funny voices your little ones will love it!

Encouraging a love of reading 

As children get older, with lots of other activities, how can you encourage them to make time, for reading?

Here are some ideas from Booktrust.org.uk

Read yourself!  

It doesn’t matter what it is you pick up- a newspaper or magazine.

Take a look at a cookery book, reada  computer manual, enjoy some poetry or dive into romantic or detective novel and get your children to join in.

If you’re cooking could they read the recipe?

If you’re watching the TV, can they read out the listings?

Give books as presents

Encourage their children and their friends to swap books with each other.It’ll give them a chance to read news stories and get them all talking about what they’re reading. 

Go visit the library together

It’s always fun choosing new books to read and keep an eye out for special author events at the library or local bookshops.

Children love meeting their favourite authors.

Encourage children to carry a book at all times.

That way they’ll never be bored.

Have a family bookshelf

if you can, have books in your children’s bedrooms too.

Keep reading together

Just because your children are older it doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing stories- perhaps you could try the Harry Potter series or A Series Unfortunate Events.

Don’t panic

If your child reads the same book over and over again.

Let’s be honest- we’ve all done it!