How to Help Young Children Become Readers: Engaging Verbal and Non-Verbal Learners
How to Help Young Children Become Readers: Engaging Verbal and Non-Verbal Learners
“Have you ever sat down with a book, ready to share the magic of stories with your child, only to find them restless, uninterested, or unwilling to listen?”
It’s a scene many parents know too well. But here’s the truth: nurturing a love for reading and storytelling isn’t about immediate results—it’s about building a journey, step by step.
Whether you’re teaching your child to read or introducing them to the joy of listening to stories, these moments lay the foundation for a lifetime of imagination, learning, and connection. And yes, even if your child resists at first, the key is patience, creativity, and consistency and keeping it short.
Start With Connection: The Foundation for Engaging Stories
At the heart of every successful reading or storytelling experience is connection. Before a child can focus on a book or a story, they need to feel safe, seen, and supported.
Here’s how you can create that foundation:
Reading and storytelling require focus, and focus takes practice. Start small—with puzzles, simple turn-taking games, or even a five-minute cuddle while looking through a picture book. Gradually extend these moments as your child grows more comfortable.
Children thrive on predictability. Make reading or storytelling part of your daily routine—whether it’s a bedtime story, a morning book ritual, or an after-dinner family movie night. Routines anchor the experience, helping your child feel secure and engaged.
Reading isn’t just about the words; it’s about the experience. Sit close, share smiles, and celebrate the small moments of joy in a story—whether it’s a funny character, a beautiful illustration, or a heartwarming ending.
How to Teach Reading and Storytelling
Teaching Your Child to Read:
For verbal children, this might include phonics, sight words, or practicing basic reading skills together. For non-verbal children, focus on visual learning with picture books, tactile books, or wordless stories that let them interpret through observation.
Engaging Them in Storytelling:
Storytelling is for everyone. Whether your child is verbal or non-verbal, stories help them understand emotions, explore new ideas, and connect with the world around them.
Here’s how to tailor your approach:
For Verbal Learners:
- Encourage participation by asking questions like, “What do you think happens next?” or “Why did the character do that?”
- Make it fun by using expressive voices or even acting out parts of the story.
- Let them choose the books—they’re more likely to engage when the topic excites them.
For Non-Verbal Learners:
- Use vibrant, visual books with textures or flaps to spark curiosity.
- Narrate their responses: “Oh, you’re pointing to the cat! Look how fast it’s running!”
- Incorporate multimedia storytelling, like audiobooks paired with visuals or short animated films.
What About Movies? The Power of Visual Storytelling
Movies can be an incredible tool for storytelling, especially for children who struggle to engage with books initially. Here’s how to make movies meaningful:
Stop at key moments to ask, “What do you think the character is feeling?” or “Why did they make that choice?” This builds empathy and critical thinking.
If the movie is based on a book, read it first (or vice versa) and discuss the differences. This strengthens comprehension.
Recreate scenes or let your child guess what might happen next. Playful engagement keeps them connected to the story.
What to Do When Your Child Doesn’t Want to Engage
Resistance is normal, and it’s important not to take it personally. Here’s how to gently guide your child into reading or storytelling:
Read one page or watch just a few minutes of a movie. Build on these short sessions as your child becomes more comfortable.
Use puppets, props, or silly voices to make stories feel fun. You could even turn it into an interactive game.
Let your child choose the book, movie, or story theme. When they feel in control, they’re more likely to engage.
Make storytelling feel fresh by reading outdoors, creating a blanket fort, or having a cozy movie night with popcorn.
The Benefits of Reading and Storytelling
Stories build vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills—whether verbal or non-verbal.
Through characters and plots, children learn about emotions, empathy, and problem-solving.
Books and stories open up endless possibilities, inspiring children to dream and explore.
Reading improves focus, memory, and critical thinking, while storytelling encourages active listening.
Reading and storytelling are shared experiences that deepen trust and connection.
Passing the Love of Stories to Your Child
Want to make reading and storytelling a lifelong habit for your child? Here’s how:
Let your child see you reading—and enjoying it! Share your favorite stories, talk about what you’re reading, or show them your current book. Your excitement will inspire their curiosity.You can also create stories yourself—on paper or through drawing. Use vocabulary and characters your child loves. For example, if they enjoy animals, craft a story about a mischievous puppy or a curious cat.
No matter how small, celebrate their engagement with stories. Whether it’s pointing to a picture, answering a question, or finishing a book, every milestone matters. These celebrations reinforce their enthusiasm and make them feel accomplished.
Keep books accessible around the house and make storytelling a natural part of your family culture. But stories don’t always have to come from books—use everyday items to spark imagination.For instance, props can be fantastic tools for storytelling. Hand your child a puppet, a toy car, or even a pillow, and let them use it in any way they want. If they hesitate, start the story for them:
“Oh, look! This pillow is a car. I’m driving to a magical forest. Want to hop in? What do you think we’ll see?”
Stories are all around us—it’s up to you to playfully invite your child into them.
Stories don’t have to follow a rigid format. You can create impromptu adventures in the car, at dinner, or during bedtime. For example:
“I was walking down the road today, and guess what happened? What do you think I saw?”
This approach has led to some of the most unforgettable moments for me. Road trips, in particular, have been filled with silly, spontaneous stories that made memories for a lifetime while developing my child’s creativity, imagination, and limitless vocabulary.
Conclusion: The Magic of Stories
Books and stories are gifts that nurture the heart, mind, and soul. Whether your child is verbal or non-verbal, resistant or eager, every small step you take brings them closer to a lifelong love for storytelling.
Start with connection. Make it playful. Celebrate the little wins. And always remember that these shared moments—of reading, watching, and discovering—are creating memories and building skills that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for Reading and for sharing the magic of stories with your child. Do spark a generation of thinkers, dreamers, and storytellers—one story at a time.