30 Oct
Reading with grandparents from afar: ideas for sharing stories on a video call
How to turn a video call into a reading moment with grandparents: why it works, how to prepare and ideas by age.
When grandparents live far away, video calls help keep the bond, but a screen conversation quickly tires a small child. Reading a story together gives the call a topic, a thread and a ritual. This article offers simple ideas for grandparents and grandchildren to read together from a distance.
Why it works
- It gives you something to talk about: the child does not have to make up conversation.
- It creates a ritual: the same time and the same book, something to look forward to.
- It keeps the child engaged: there are pictures and a story that moves forward.
- Grandparents take part without having to be in the room.
How to prepare the call
- 1Pick a calm time, after the bath or before bed, and keep it the same.
- 2Have the same book on both sides: two copies, or grandpa reading while the child sees the pages on the screen.
- 3Position the phone or tablet so you can see the face and the pages.
- 4Start with a short greeting so the child can “arrive”.
- 5End with a simple question: what did you like best?
Ideas by age
| Age (approximate) | Idea |
|---|---|
| 2 to 4 years | Short pages and lots of pictures; the grandparents do the voices. |
| 5 to 7 years | The child reads one page and grandpa reads the next. |
| 8 to 10 years | They ask the character questions and make up what happens next. |
Where a personalised book comes in
A personalised book in which the grandparents are characters can make this routine even more special: the child sees grandpa and grandma in the story, and the book stays as a keepsake. In the main idea you say who they are and how they address each other (for example, “grandma” or “nana”), and in the details you can write where the story takes place, such as the grandparents' house. If the book is printed, both sides can have a copy, and with two hardcover books in the same order shipping is free.
Other ideas to keep the bond
- Record the reading: grandparents record audio or video of themselves reading, so the child can listen whenever they like.
- Swap letters or drawings by mail.
- Read the same book on different days and talk about it at the weekend.
- In-person visits, when possible, bringing the book as a gift.
A word on the technology
Agree on the basics with the grandparents: a good connection, the phone on a stand and a quiet spot. If the connection drops, plan B is a voice-only call. It does not have to be perfect: what counts is the time together.
In short
Reading from afar gives the video call a topic and a ritual. With a book at hand, the right time and a little patience, grandparents and grandchildren make memories even from miles apart.