Reading Buddies
Parent incorporates a stuffed animal as a 'reading buddy' during bedtime story time, creating an imaginative storytelling experience. The agent coaches the parent to observe picture pointing, narrative engagement, and language expression as the child interacts with the story through the stuffed animal narrator.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
During bedtime routine, with child comfortable in bed or on lap. Have stuffed animal and simple picture book ready. Dim lighting, cozy atmosphere. Child should be calm but alert.
How it works
- 1~45s
Start by introducing the stuffed animal as the storyteller. Hold it near the book and use a different voice for it: 'Hello, I'm {stuffed animal's name} and I'm going to read you a story!' Open the book and have the animal 'point' to the first picture with its paw. Read a few pages in this playful voice, pausing to show your child the images. Does your child seem engaged with this imaginative setup? Does they look at the animal, smile, or show excitement about the animal telling the story?
Watch for: Child engages with the imaginative premise of stuffed animal as narrator, showing suspension of disbelief and playful interaction.
- 2~40s
Now as you continue reading, watch closely when you show your child the pictures. Does your child point to any particular image? If they does, have the stuffed animal ask about it: 'Oh, your child, you pointed to the moon! What do you see?' Give your child time to respond — they might name it, make a sound, or just point again. The goal is to create dialogue around the pictures.
Watch for: Child points to pictures in the book to comment, question, or share interest.
- 3~35s
As you finish the story, have the stuffed animal ask your child: 'What was your favorite part?' Give your child plenty of time to respond. {He_She} might point to a picture, say a word, make a sound, or even just smile at a particular page. The stuffed animal can respond enthusiastically: 'I loved that part too! The bunny was so funny!' This helps your child practice recalling and expressing thoughts about stories.
Watch for: Child attempts to recall or express something about the story when asked.