Michael Rosen, English children's author, shares his top tips for sharing a story with your child.

Sharing a story with a child is such a close and personal experience, either snuggled up on the sofa or reading under a tree, its a special time to be shared and enjoyed.

While sharing stories with your child, you may not realise but you are developing their language, vocabulary and communication skills. The opportunities that a book offers is just endless. Our biggest top tip at TLC would be remove distractions when sharing a story. Turn off the radio, TV and put your phone on silent. This way your child can clearly hear what you are saying and all the attention is on just being together.

1. Enjoy the book, that way its an enjoyable experience together.
2. Books tend to have a rhythm, find the rhythm of the story so your child can hook on to the words ready to join in with you.
3. Talk about the pictures. Not only can it be a fun activity to do but it will also help your child to understand that there are clues in pictures that will later help them when they learn to read independently.
4. Take the opportunity to answer any questions that your child might ask.

"You (the reader) are the bridge between the book and the child."

Michael Rosen

The Words for Life organisation have put together a recommended book list for young children. Click on the link on the sidebar for more information.