Tips for sharing books with children with Additional Support Needs

Many of the following ideas have been suggested by experts, parents and by a range of organisations. Not all suggestions will apply to your child but they may be a useful starting point. Please share your own ideas with us too!

Sharing books with blind and partially sighted children

Listening to your voice as you read and sing gives blind and partially sighted children a feel for the sounds and rhythms of language.

Which books should I choose?

Blind or partially sighted children may not be familiar with things they might otherwise absorb by seeing the world around them. Books with things your child has recently experienced or familiar ideas can be a good starting point to avoid confusing or overwhelming them.

Look for books with print that is easy to read such as ones with a high contrast of print and background, words in a plain bold font and text written on a plain background. Also favour bold, simple illustrations and make sure books do not rely too much on pictures to tell the story. Start with books that have flaps, noises or textures to enjoy.

Books with songs and rhymes help younger children with communication skills. They are lots of fun and mean other family members can join in too.

Here is a list of helpful websites with advice on choosing books

How can I make sure my child feels involved?

You can encourage your child to feel involved as you read by getting them to help hold the book and turn the pages. Ask them lots of questions as you read and explain things they don’t understand. Relate things in the books to things the child is familiar with (“You’ve got a teddy too haven’t you?”).

Give your child their own bookshelf and encourage them to choose which books to read. Adding tactile pictures or text stickers can help blind or partially sighted children find their favourite books. If using touch & feel books, remember to talk through what a child is about to feel so unexpected textures do not come as a shock when touched!

Make sharing books a daily pleasure.

Make it fun

Try changing stories to fit with your child’s experience or replace character names with family names. Get your child to say what will happen next or fill in missing words. Put your body into the position of the character in the story and let your child climb around you to get a ‘picture’ of what is happening. Add sound effects and use your voice playfully to show different character voices. Encourage your child to take on a character’s role and act out the story.

Sharing books with Deaf and hearing impaired children

Which books should I choose?

Very young children like books that are highly visual and colourful with clear, uncluttered images. ‘Touch and feel’ books with different textures are great fun. Look for books that relate to experiences your child has had. Start with books that have flaps, patterns or textures to enjoy.

How can I make sure my child feels involved?

To make sure your child feels involved think about how to sit so your child is at your level and can see your face so you can establish good eye contact. Make sure there is enough light so your face and the book can be seen clearly. If you don’t use BSL (British Sign Language) or Makaton, try using gestures to support the visual communication. Take your time so children can see the pictures, text and your facial expressions. Try propping the book up in front of you and reading the text upside down! Encourage children to talk about emotions by looking at the character’s expressions. Get your child to say what will happen next and fill in missing words and sounds. Repeat the same stories over and over to develop language and give reassurance.

Make it fun

Try using real objects and props to act out the story. Use funny facial expressions to keep children entertained. Play at dressing up as characters and using puppets. Make a story sack with interactive materials to bring a book to life.