Most parents of young children realize the value of reading aloud each day. This storytime is a great way to connect with your child, to share exciting stories and pictures, to help them learn about reading, and to increase your child’s understanding of the world.

The best storytimes are very interactive. You are talking about and reading the story while at the same time your child is talking. In addition, there is conversation taking place between the two or you. This can be a little difficult for some parents. Here are some hints about doing this kind of reading that includes lots of talking: ReadingRockets.org/article/33854.

Prompt your child with a question about the story. This helps your child focus his attention on the story, involves him in the story, and helps him understand what the book is about. Point to something in the picture and ask, “What is that?” and wait for his reply. Maybe he has focused on the picture of a big, fluffy, black and white dog.

Give your child some time to figure out what his answer is. When she is correct, let her know “That’s right!” Do this several times to get her involved.

You can add some other things to describe what he has found. Talk about the color of the dog or the color of the dog’s collar or the size of the dog. Talk about the dog down the street that he sees regularly. Now repeat the prompt you started the book talking about. Encourage him to use the new information you’ve provided. Ask him “Can you say big, fluffy, black and white dog?” Each time the book is read again, go over the new words again.

This kind of interactive reading helps your child learn better oral language skills and increases the number of new words he hears. This makes it a fun thing to do when you begin a new book. You don’t want to do it with every picture or on every page. You want to keep it fun. Use it every once in a while to help her become involved.

The goal of reading using different kinds of ways is to continue to make reading fun.

There are lots of things to do to help with this. Every time she finds words he knows, let her read those words. See if she can pick out words that begin with “B.” Help her learn to read the title of the book and each time you come across this book, see if she can remember what it says. See if she can remember the book you read together yesterday, even if she can just name some very simple things. Be excited for what she does remember.

Remember, you are the key. These games are only fun if you are a part of it.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.