Engage children while reading to them: Experts

Parents can act out characters, ask questions during storytelling to boost child's literacy

SPH Brightcove Video
Ms Mala Sundram, the head of the Readers and Writers programme at Julia Gabriel Education, shares her top five tips for parents on reading aloud to young children at home.
Kindergarten 1 children Raghav Swaminathan and Brandon Foo Fang Wei enjoying reading with teachers Naziahaseen Mohamed Nazir (seated) and Audrey Chew during a weekly reading programme at the Julia Gabriel Centre at The Forum last week. Pupils in Sing
Kindergarten 1 children Raghav Swaminathan and Brandon Foo Fang Wei enjoying reading with teachers Naziahaseen Mohamed Nazir (seated) and Audrey Chew during a weekly reading programme at the Julia Gabriel Centre at The Forum last week. Pupils in Singapore are among the most well-versed in reading, according to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study. ST PHOTO: DALENE LOW
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Keep reading fun with pop-up books, get kids to draw out the letters and shapes they see and even sing out rhymes - these are some tips parents can use in reading to their children, which education experts say is important in helping them improve literacy.

Pupils here are among the most well-versed in reading, according to the results of a global test of reading skills released last December.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 02, 2018, with the headline Engage children while reading to them: Experts. Subscribe