Yesterday you were nursing your newborn, today you are watching
your toddler run and play. Where does the time go? The years go
quickly but some of the days (and nights) can seem very long. How
about taking some quiet time together? Give yourself some moments
together with a book.
It’s good for your child…and it’s good for you.
The pictures on the page tell your child about his world.
- He learns the names of people, animals and things.
- The language he hears now will become his words as he learns to talk.
Reading uses her whole body.
- She learns to watch and listen.
- Her brain is making connections.
- Books, like everything, go into her mouth.
- She babbles to exercise mouth muscles that will help make words.
- Her eyes and hands work together as she points or follows your finger.
- She may move or bounce to the rhythm.
- Her hands turn the pages and clap with delight.
- Toddlers may even run around between pages or go get another book.
Reading together tells him you like to spend time with him.
- There are no distractions as you focus on him.
- You watch and listen to him and snuggle together.
- Your attention tells him, “I am special!”
- He connects good feelings of being with you to good feelings about books.
You may feel odd or even silly at first reading to a young child,
but soon it will feel natural. There are no rules, but here are
some hints to help you get started.
Tips for young babies:
- Read to your baby from the very start—the most important sound for your newborn is your voice.
- Reading helps even the youngest babies pay attention.
- Begin with picture books that show real things in her world—textures to touch and doors to open, a few written words to inspire you to make animal sounds and silly voices, and rhythm and rhyme to grab her attention.
- Point to the pictures and label them with simple names—for example, duck, kitty.
Example 1:
“What’s behind this door?” You say as you point to
the picture on the page. You open the flap on the
page revealing a smiling bunny. “Aha! You exclaim
with a smile. You look at the baby in your lap to
make a connection, point to the page and say,
“It’s a bunny!” |
Tips for when he becomes a mover:
-
 Read often, but for short times. When he squirms away he is saying, “All done for now.”
- Keep it fun. Sometimes reading is a quiet, snuggly time. Other times and for busier children, you might read while he plays or sits across from you on the floor.
Tips for the toddler:
- Use the book as the beginning—don’t feel you must read
every word or every page.
- Point to the pictures and label them together with simple names.
- Involve her by asking questions: “Where is the puppy?” “What does the puppy say?”
- When her attention is longer (between age two and three) move from picture books to simple story books.
Example 2:
You’re ready to put your toddler to bed and he
knows that it’s story time! Tonight’s book is
about trains. After reading the first page, you
remember a story about when you took a train ride
as a child. “You know, Daddy rode a big train with
Grandpa when he was little. Let me tell you all
about Daddy’s train ride…” |
Tips for all ages:
- Use his name. Sing the words.
- Let him turn the pages—even if you are not done.
- Remember there is no right or wrong way to read together.
- Find books at libraries, dollar stores, garage sales or from friends.
- Sprinkle the good feelings of reading time through the day.
- Build routines—bring books to the quiet times of every day (before sleep or after lunch).
- Books make a great distraction when your toddler is heading for that “no-no” again.
Being together with books is a special time for both of you.
Take a break with books. It’s a great way to slow down your day,
make time with your little one, and show her the exciting world of
books. |
Reading
together every day can be a great way to build your
relationship with your child and provide a valuable
opportunity to expose her to literacy early in life.
