Pre-Reading Preparation and Activities

We all want to create a positive and enjoyable reading experience for the children in our care. But sometimes, for certain children, diving straight into a book can backfire. Have you ever had the sense that a story “went straight over their heads”? Or, worse, is when a child becomes upset by something you thought was totally innocuous.

Or refuses outright because the text is too hard.

This is where pre-reading preparation can come in handy. A little bit of upfront work can make a world of difference in how children approach and engage with a book. Pre-reading activities not only help children feel more confident but can also prepare them for difficult themes or complex words that they might encounter in the story.

Who benefits from pre-reading preparation?

It can take some time and work to prepare activities and discussion points in advance, so it’s worth knowing who you’re trying to help, and why.

Reluctant readers may be hesitant to read because they find it difficult, so preparing them with a sense of excitement and ownership can help spark their interest. Pre-reading activities provide a way to get them involved in the story before even opening the first page. Don’t forget physical, cross-body activity for children who may struggle with tracking from one side of the page to the other and back again.

Pre-reading activities help very young readers build the foundational skills they need to understand and enjoy the book. It prepares them for new words, characters, and concepts, making the reading experience more accessible and more successful early on.

Children who are particularly sensitive to certain themes, such as violence and villainy, conflict, sadness, or fear, can benefit from preparation that introduces them to challenging scenes in a way that feels safe, and gives them a “heads up” about what is coming. They may even need spoilers in order to feel comfortably prepared. By providing them with context and allowing them to process difficult themes ahead of time, they can enjoy the book without feeling overwhelmed.

Pre-reading activities

Here are some fun and effective pre-reading activities to engage children and prepare them for the book ahead:

Cross-body movement

This is a great way to warm up for reading, get rid of the fidgets, while also engaging the neuro-physiological engine that makes reading possible. Any movement that requires children to cross one part of the body over the midline to reach a point on the opposite side and then repeat that action on the other side is going to help to switch on the part of the brain that allows the eyes to track words on a line from left to right before returning to the left of the next line.

For young children, this can be as simple as placing toys on either side of their body and encouraging them to reach for each with the opposite hand. You can play a great game with babies who are at the sitting up stage: give them a toy to hold in one hand, then place another toy on that same side. Get excited when they reach over with the other hand to grab the toy. Ask for the first toy, and repeat the exercise so they reach across their body on both sides.

For toddlers and older kids, play clapping games or “pat the wall” – always encouraging the crossing over of hands, elbows, knees, or feet (whatever they are capable of).

Word lists and vocabulary

For school-age kids, before starting the book, create a list of challenging or unfamiliar words that will appear in the text. Review the meanings of these words with your child or class, and provide visual aids or examples if necessary. This helps to reduce frustration (and avoids breaking story immersion) when encountering these words in the story, allowing children to focus more on the plot and characters. It’s also a great way to learn new words.

Activity idea: Create a “word wall” where children can write out the new words they learn throughout the book. This can be a fun, interactive way to track progress and increase vocabulary retention. Not to mention practicing the spelling of the words they find!

Getting to know the characters

Familiarity with the characters in a book makes it easier for children to connect with the story. Before diving into the text, talk about the main characters. Ask the child to look at any illustrations or descriptions of the characters and make predictions about what they might be like.

Activity idea: Have children create their own character profile sheets. Include sections for the character’s name, age, likes, dislikes, and a drawing of what they might look like. This helps children get invested in the story before reading it.

Create a personalised bookmark

A fun and creative way for children to engage with the book before they start reading is by making their own bookmark. Encourage children to decorate the bookmark with elements from the book such as character images, quotes, or symbols that represent the theme. This activity can be a way for children to feel more connected to the story and excited about reading it.

Read the blurb and make predictions

Reading the blurb or summary on the back of the book is a great way to introduce children to the basic plot and hook their curiosity. After reading the blurb, ask the child to make predictions about what will happen in the story.

Activity idea: Ask the child to write down or share 3-5 predictions about the book. These predictions can be revisited later to see how accurate they were, sparking a discussion about the story’s progression.

Ask questions ahead of time

Encourage children to come up with questions they might have about the book before reading it. These questions could be about the characters, setting, or what might happen next. This not only builds anticipation but also encourages critical thinking and curiosity about the text.

Activity idea: Create a “question jar” where children can place questions they have before starting the book. As they read, they can revisit the jar to see if their questions have been answered.

Preparing sensitive readers for challenging themes

Books can sometimes include themes or scenes that might be upsetting for sensitive readers. Whether it’s a sad event, a scary moment, tension and conflict, or a difficult subject, it’s important to help children prepare for what they might encounter.

Discuss sensitive topics before reading

If you know that a book includes difficult or upsetting scenes, have a conversation with the child before you begin reading. This could be as simple as saying, “In this story, something sad happens to one of the characters, but the book will show how they deal with it and feel better in the end.” Sometimes you might need to provide spoilers so that very sensitive children can be fully prepared. (Remind them not to blurt them out, though, in case there are members of their class who genuinely want to experience the story fully and be surprised by the ending.)

Activity idea: Use a “safety plan” approach where children can choose a coping mechanism to use if they feel upset during the reading, such as taking a break, talking about their feelings, or reading aloud to a parent or teacher for support. Some older children feel they can cope better with upsetting texts when they read quietly to themselves, whereas hearing it read to them is more intense. For other children the opposite is true: they feel less alone and more supported if someone else is reading to them.

Contextualising difficult themes

If there are challenging themes such as fear, loss, or conflict, provide context for the child. Explain the theme and give examples of how other characters in stories have dealt with similar situations. This helps children understand that the emotions they might experience during the book are natural and can be part of the story’s learning process.

Activity idea: Create a “discussion circle” where you can talk about similar themes or emotions that children have experienced in real life or in other stories. This helps normalize the emotional experiences in the book.

Offer alternatives or breaks

If a child is really sensitive to a particular type of scene, consider skipping the worst parts, reading around the scene(s) in question, or offering an alternative version of the story. Take breaks to address any emotional discomfort during the reading process. Encourage them to talk about how they feel and what parts of the book are most difficult for them to handle.

Additional tips for pre-reading preparation

• Use multimedia: For children who might struggle with visualising the setting or characters, consider showing a trailer of the book (if available) or listening to an audiobook excerpt. This can provide an alternative way to engage with the material.
• Set a reading goal: Set a goal for the child to achieve as they read, such as finishing a chapter or identifying three new words in the book. Celebrate these small victories to build confidence.
• Create a reading ritual: Establish a fun reading ritual, such as reading in a cosy nook with a blanket or having a special snack, to make the reading experience feel more exciting and welcoming.

Pre-reading preparation is a simple but effective way to set children up for success with any book. It allows children to encounter a new book feeling confident and ready to engage. These activities help build a positive attitude towards reading. The more effort you put into preparing for reading, the more rewarding the experience will be for your child — and that’s what truly matters!

Happy reading!

📷Pexels: Anastasia Shuraeva – a group of children on green tiered seating, chatting while they prepare to read.