Engaging Children in Shared Book Reading – Information for Educators

Do you find it challenging to keep a group of children engaged when reading stories together?

Shared book reading is a powerful tool for fostering language and literacy development in early childhood settings. However, factors like attention, sensory processing, language skills, and postural control can influence children’s engagement.

By understanding these challenges and making small adjustments, you can create an inclusive and enriching storytime experience for all children in your group.

What Impacts Engagement in Shared Book Reading?

Language Skills

Each child’s ability to understand and use language shapes their engagement with books. Some children may rely on pictures and simple words, while others can follow more complex plots and make predictions. Choosing books that align with the group’s language abilities and incorporating interactive elements, such as questioning and discussion, can help sustain engagement.

Sensory Processing

Sensory processing affects how children respond to their environment. Some children may struggle with sensory regulation, making it harder for them to focus during book reading. Adjusting the environment—such as reducing background noise, providing fidget tools, or incorporating movement breaks—can help children feel more comfortable and engaged.

Learn more about sensory processing

Postural Control

Maintaining a seated posture for storytime requires postural stability. Children who find this challenging may appear restless or have difficulty focusing. Providing flexible seating options, such as floor cushions, wobble stools, or opportunities to lie down, can support children’s comfort and engagement.

Explore more about postural control

Executive Functioning & Attention

Skills like memory, focus, and emotional control play a role in following a storyline and staying engaged. If children struggle with these skills, they may need additional support to maintain attention during reading. Incorporating interactive storytelling techniques can help sustain their focus.

Strategies to Enhance Engagement in Shared Book Reading

Set up – expectations, space

Make a plan

Explain what you will do as the teacher
Explain what you want the children to do or how you expect them to participate
Use a visual schedule to show what different tasks or activities are involved in circle time
Use a timer to help children know when structured time is beginning and ending

Comprehension and Understanding

Consider what background knowledge children need to understand and enjoy the story. Include discussion about the topics before or after reading
Teach any new vocabulary before or during the story
Point to the pictures to support understanding of certain words or phrases
Reduce the number of questions you ask, use comments to facilitate discussion, for example, “I would buy the blue hat, I wonder which hat you would buy.”

Foster Engagement

Set up opportunities for the the children to make sound effects or do actions during the story
Encourage children to join in with repeated phrases in the book

Select books based on the children’s interests or what you are targeting in the classroom.
Offer a mix of fiction and non-fiction books

Bring the Story to Life

Use character voices and exaggerated facial expressions to add excitement.
Incorporate puppets, props, or dress-ups to enhance storytelling.
Act out scenes from the book to reinforce comprehension and participation.
Set up themed play areas inspired by book storylines to encourage imaginative play.

Support Sensory Needs

Create a comfortable reading space with different seating options that supports children’s postural control needs
Offer movement-based reading, such as acting out parts of the story or using actions for key words
Incorporate sensory elements like textured books, sound effects, or related tactile activities to deepen engagement
Encourage children who need sensory tools to grab them before book reading time (e.g. fidgets, chewy necklaces)
Position children who need to move to support their regulation towards the side of the group so that they can easily move and return once they’re ready

Every child engages with books in their own way and listens in their own way. By recognizing their needs and incorporating strategies that support their development, you can create a meaningful and enjoyable shared reading experience. The goal is to build a positive relationship with books, fostering language growth, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading.

Written May 2025 by Speech Pathologist Tess Marson & Occupational Therapist Kiara Moodley