Making Storytime Magical: Engaging Storytelling Tips for Parents

Kraig Brachman

6 hours ago

A teacher in a striped shirt reads a picture book to children in a colorful classroom. Posters, books, and educational charts fill the walls.

Reading aloud is a skill, and if you’ve ever seen someone with experience reading to a large group of children, you know just how much more they do with the words on the page than the average reader. A skilled storyteller captivates their audience, engrossing listeners not just in the book itself, but in the performance of the reading.

That might sound a little over the top—maybe you’re not looking to put on a full theatrical production for your child. But there are simple techniques you can borrow from the pros to make storytime more engaging, interactive, and fun!

Girl in pink reads a book titled "Junk Food," sitting near blue bag with "Further Education Society" text. Background is a cozy room.

Read the book ahead of time

Practice makes perfect. Reading the book in advance helps you familiarize yourself with the story, characters, rhythm, and illustrations. Think of it as research—it allows you to deliver the story with confidence and engage your child more effectively.

Point out things and ask questions related to the book

“Look at the silly giraffe. What do you think he’s doing back there? Maybe he’s hungry?”

Reading doesn’t have to be a passive activity. Instead of just narrating the story, turn it into a conversation with your child. Point things out and ask questions like:

What is that animal?
What colour is that?
What do you think will happen next?
Why do you think the character did that?
How do you think they feel?
What would you do in that situation?

Encourage open-ended answers rather than simple “yes” or “no” responses. This sparks your child’s imagination, builds comprehension skills, and makes storytime a shared experience.

Woman and child sit on floor in a playroom. Woman holds colorful toy book. Background: shelves, bag, hula hoops. Calm atmosphere.

Vary your pacing, tone, and volume

We’ve all done it—read aloud in the same monotone pace and volume. Any parent who has seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off will remember Ben Stein’s iconic monotone teacher droning on (or the countless impressions of it over the years). We don’t want that, and neither will your child.

Instead, vary your delivery to match the mood of the book:

Slow down to build tension.
Speed up to add excitement.
Change your tone to match the emotions of the characters.
Adjust your volume—whisper for quiet, gentle moments and raise your voice for thrilling scenes.

Woman reading to two children in colorful play area with chalkboard labeled "KIDS corner." Toys scattered, walls with vibrant art.

Do the voices!

They don’t have to be perfect—what matters is making the story more dynamic and memorable. Your child will love the extra personality you bring to each character and will be eager for more.

It might feel silly at first, but that’s part of the fun!

A woman in a colorful top reads a book to seated children in a classroom. Wooden cabinets and colorful art are visible in the background.

Practice and Have Fun

If these techniques feel awkward at first, don’t worry—it gets easier with practice. The important thing is that you’re creating a special bonding experience with your child. They won’t care if your character voices aren’t flawless; they’ll cherish the time and effort you put into making storytime magical.

So grab a book, get creative, and enjoy the journey together!