If they hear the same poems often enough, kids quickly learn them by heart. As they get older and can read a little, introduce plays, short comedy skits and classics. Once the tale becomes familiar, give them a small part to read. Dress up for plays using the simple props you already have on hand. Children learn many things from this kind of reading.
Comics are a valuable read aloud tool also.
Your kids already know and like the familiar characters. If they love Disney cartoons, buy the comics and read them aloud instead. There s already a rich picture-scape of how the character moves and sounds in their active minds. These are great when you re not feeling with it or plain too tired. The story form is simpler than books, making the tales easy to follow.