Be expressive while storytelling. Children are attentive to voices and facial expressions. If you are reading, say the lines theatrically. If you are recounting a story from memory, use your eyes and body language to bring out emotion.
Pick stories that are strong on sounds and alliteration. Children like to learn new words, especially words that resemble other words. They also are amused by different sounds and can paint pictures in their mind with sounds. For example, the sound of the words, "Choo Choo," will create a vivid, instant picture of a train.
Create the right setting for the story. If you are telling or reading a scary story, give your child a flashlight and turn off the lights. Speak in a low voice and tell the story in the dark to convey a sense of suspense and fright.
Let the child talk. Adults often make the mistake of shushing their children during story time. When you are telling the story, ask your child questions. If the child is participating, he is more likely to listen. Even if he has heard the story before, it is helpful to encourage him to get involved. When he answers correctly, he will feel proud and more engaged in the story.
Tell the story with a group of children. Include interactive storytelling during sleepovers, parties or circle time. Make the children huddle together under the bedcovers or sit on the floor Indian-style to create a sense of unity and anticipation.