Once Upon a Time: Tips for Fun Story Times with Children

Bring the story to life

Many children love a bit of drama! Try using different voices for the story’s characters as you read, and loud and soft tones to help bring the narrative to life. Your enthusiasm is contagious, and playful expression can help your child really engage with the story.

Encourage your child to join in
Storytime is even more fun for children when they are actively involved in the experience. You can encourage your child to:

• Choose the book or books you read together—it may be more practical to provide them with a selection to choose from rather than all of their books.
• Look at and talk about the book’s cover and guess what the story might be about from its title and cover illustrations.
• Turn the pages and discuss illustrations as you are reading.
• Guess what happens next—ask your child open-ended questions such as “What do you think happens next?” or “Why did the bear do that?”
• Finish familiar phrases from the story—pause as you read to allow your child to ‘fill in the blank’

Follow your child’s lead
If your child wants to linger on a page, ask questions, or read the same book again, it shows they are interested and engaged! Following their lead keeps reading joyful rather than rushed, and repetition is a powerful way for children to learn.

Make it cosy
Create a warm, inviting space for reading. Snuggle up with pillows, dim the lights for bedtime stories, or read outdoors on a sunny day. A comfy, relaxed setting helps story time feel special and supports connection.

Keep story time pressure-free
Some days your child may only want to sit for one page, and on others they may want to read several stories. Where possible, let story time be flexible, with a focus on connection and enjoyment, not on finishing every book or keeping to a strict time.

Story time isn’t about reading perfectly or reaching the end; it’s about connection, imagination, and joy. By keeping it playful and pressure-free, you’re helping to nurture a lifelong love of reading,

Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.