How to Read Books with Your Child to Build Speech & Language Skills

Reading with your child isn't just a great way to bond—it's also one of the most powerful tools you can use to help your toddler or preschooler learn how to talk, listen, and understand language. At APA Speech Therapy, we work with many families who are surprised to learn how much everyday storytime can help speech and language development.

Whether your child is just starting to babble or already saying short phrases, reading books together helps build key skills that enable them to grow into strong, confident communicators.

Why Is Reading So Important for Speech and Language?

When you read to your child, you're doing much more than just telling a story. You're helping your child:

• Learn new words

• Understand how sentences work

• Practice listening and paying attention

• Build memory and thinking skills

• Learn about feelings, actions, and everyday life

Books are full of rich language—words and phrases that don’t always come up in everyday conversation. When you read slowly and discuss the pictures, your child gets to hear language that helps their brain develop.

Start Simple: Pick the Right Books

For toddlers and preschoolers, stick with books that are:

• Short and repetitive

• Full of clear, colorful pictures

• About everyday topics (animals, food, bath time, feelings)

• Interactive (lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or sound books)

Books by authors like Sandra Boynton, Eric Carle, and Karen Katz are great starting points. Don’t worry about reading the words perfectly—what matters most is the interaction you have with your child during reading.

Tips for Reading with Your Child

Here are some simple ways to make storytime more helpful for building speech and language:

1. Let Your Child Take the Lead

If they want to flip through the pages quickly or stop to talk about one picture for a long time, that’s okay. Follow their lead. The goal is to get them engaged and talking.

2. Label Pictures

Point to a picture and name it clearly. For example:
“That’s a dog. Woof woof!”
Repeat important words and add sounds when you can. This helps toddlers connect words with meanings.

3. Ask Simple Questions

Use “what” and “where” questions:

• “What’s that?”

• “Where is the cat?”
  If your child doesn’t answer, that’s okay—model the answer for them:
  “Oh! That’s the cat! Meow!”

4. Pause and Wait

After asking a question or pointing something out, pause for a few seconds. Give your child a chance to respond, even if it’s just a sound or a simple gesture, such as pointing.

5. Use Repetition

Read the same book many times. Kids love repetition, and it helps them learn new words. Every time you read, your child gets more familiar with the story and more confident using the words.

Build Vocabulary Through Books

Books are full of tiered vocabulary—words that describe actions, feelings, and categories. As you read, you can:

• Use verbs like “jump,” “eat,” “run,” or “hide”

• Use feelings like “happy,” “sad,” or “scared”

• Group things by category: “That’s a fruit. That’s a vegetable.”

You don’t need to “quiz” your child, but casually add these words in during storytime. For example:
“The monkey is climbing. Climbing up the tree!”

Use Books to Spark Conversations

Books are a great way to start a conversation, even for children who aren’t yet talking. Try these ideas:

• Make connections to your child’s life: “Look, he’s brushing his teeth like you!”

• Pretend play: After reading a book about cooking, pretend to cook together.

• Act it out: If you read a book about animals, pretend to move and sound like the animals.

These fun interactions help your child practice understanding and using language in real life.

What if My Child Isn’t Talking Yet?

If your child isn’t using many words yet, books are still helpful. Focus on:

• Sounds: “Moo!” “Beep beep!” “Uh-oh!”

• Gestures: Pointing, waving, clapping

• Imitation: Encourage your child to copy your sounds or actions

The more language your child hears, the more their brain is preparing to use it. You can also check out our blog post on early speech milestones to learn what to expect at different ages.

When to Reach Out for Help

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or language development, you’re not alone. Some signs to look out for include:

• Not using any words by 18 months

• Only using a few words by age 2

• Difficulty understanding directions

• Frustration with not being able to communicate

At APA Speech Therapy, we’re here to support you. Our team works with families across Los Angeles and beyond, both at home and in our clinic, as well as through telepractice services. We offer personalized evaluations and therapy to help your child reach their full potential and thrive.

Reading with your child every day—even for just 5 to 10 minutes—can make a big difference in their speech and language growth. Keep it fun, follow your child’s interests, and don’t stress about reading perfectly.

The most important thing is connecting with your child, enjoying books together, and using every story as an opportunity to nurture their little voice.

Do you need support or have questions about your child’s speech and language development?
Contact APA Speech Therapy today to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can help your family.