how to make storytime more engaging for preschool children

STORYTIME TIPS FOR PARENTS

6 Simple Ways to Make Storytime More Engaging

Wondering how to make storytime more engaging for toddlers and early readers? These simple ideas can help spark imagination, connection, and a lifelong love of reading for kids ages 3-6.

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6 TIPS FOR STORYTIMES

Make storytime more than just reading a book

Make it a chance to connect, explore big ideas, and build skills that will last a lifetime. Here are 6 simple ways to make storytime more engaging for your little one.

Don’t just read, perform the words.

Use silly voices, add dramatic pauses. Kids stay engaged when reading feels playful.

Pause to ask questions before turning the page.

Ask - What do you think happens next? How do you think he feels? Did you notice anyone hiding?

Let kids study the illustrations

Ask - What do you notice? Can you find something funny? What’s happening in the background?

Use a stuffed animal or puppet.

Bring the characters to life. Let your kids ask the character plush questions, and have the character react with emotions or listen back.

Re-read the same book over again.

Repetition is where learning happens. It helps kids anticipate what’s next, repeat favorite lines (a great vocabulary builder!) and build confidence.

Create a post-book activity.

Draw your favorite character. Act out a scene. Have a book themed snack. Discuss your favorite part. Even 5 extra minutes can help the story’s message stick.

Want More Storytime Ideas?

Download 11 Book Activities Kids Will Want to Do Again and Again

Packed with conversation starters, character trivia, and simple ways to make every storytime meaningful.

Storytime Questions Parents Often Ask

Storytime can begin in infancy, because growing the bond between parent and child is of utmost importance at this stage. Next, as the child grows from ages 1 to 2, they associate reading and books as a calm, comforting experience. Then, interactive storytime activities become especially valuable during the preschool years and beyond.
Most preschoolers engage best with storytimes lasting 10–20 minutes depending on the book and activity level.
Books with memorable characters, rich illustrations, discussion opportunities, and relatable challenges tend to work best. Stories featuring recurring characters like Brudders the Bear give children familiar friends to revisit from book to book, making storytime more interactive and engaging over time.
Using character voices, asking prediction questions, and incorporating props or stuffed animals can help children become active participants in the story.
Ask about the characters, how each one is feeling, how each one looks. What sort of sounds do the characters make? Ask about the background - what is happening and are there things to find? Ask your child what they think will happen next before turning the page.