How to Make Story Time More Engaging
How to Make Storytime More Engaging
If storytime feels short, squirmy, or hard to hold attention, here are 6 easy ways to make storytime more engaging for kids ages 3–6:
1. Don’t just read the words — perform them!
Use silly voices.
Whisper the quiet parts. Roar the loud parts. Add dramatic pauses.
Kids stay engaged when reading feels playful.
You don’t have to be oscar-level. Just changing your tone or expression can instantly pull them in.
2. Pause and ask questions before turning the page
This one works every time.
Try:
What do you think happens next?
How do you think he feels?
Did you notice anything hiding in that picture?
What would you do?
Kids love guessing, and they especially love being right. ;)
It keeps them involved instead of just listening.
3. Let them study the illustrations
Sometimes children are “reading” the pictures before we realize it.
Pause longer than feels natural and let them really look.
Ask:
What do you notice?
Can you find something funny?
What’s happening in the background?
Picture books become much more engaging when children feel invited to discover things on the page.
Our Brudders stories are filled with little visual details and clues for exactly this reason.
4. Bring in a stuffed animal or puppet
A favorite teddy bear can become part of storytime.
Let them hold it while reading.
Or let the stuffed animal “listen” too.
Even better, have the stuffed animal ask questions or react to the story.
It instantly makes reading feel interactive and playful.
5. Read the same book again (yes, really)
Kids love repetition.
Even when adults feel ready to move on.
Reading a favorite story again helps children:
anticipate what’s coming
repeat favorite lines
build confidence
notice new details each time
That repetition is actually where a lot of learning happens.
6. Add one tiny activity after the book
Storytime doesn’t have to end with the last page.
Try:
drawing a favorite character
acting out one scene
having a snack that matches the story
retelling the story in their own words
talking about which part they loved best
Even 5 extra minutes can make the book stick with them long after reading.
Our Brudders series actually has done-for-you learning activities that go along with each book.
After all, the best books let learning continue after the last page.
Final Thoughts
The best storytimes are the ones with questions… giggles… interruptions… cuddles… and reading the same page twice because someone spotted something new.
Keep it playful.
Keep it cozy.
And let storytime feel like something you experience together.
If you’re looking for books designed to spark conversation, discovery, and connection, explore the Brudders collection for your next storytime adventure.
Our Favorite Storytime Companions
If you’re building a cozy storytime routine, here are a few family favorites we love pairing together:
Brudders® Picture Books
Interactive read-alouds created to spark conversation, emotional growth, and connection.
All three books in the Brudders® series for storytime fun! Captivating illustrations get kids excited to dive into the story, spending time on each page. Each book’s theme helps kids feel confident, connected, and empowered to be kind towards others.
Brudders® Plushie Set
Cozy reading companions little ones can hold while following along with the story.
Brudders® Learning Library
Printable activities that bring the story off the page and into play.
Printable SEL-Based Activities
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