Reading to your child fosters a close, loving relationship between the two of you that will one day give him the confidence to soar off to college. Learning to read—which begins with ABCs in preschool and really gets going in kindergarten—is easier when the child comes to it with a love for books. Here’s how to get started:
- Begin reading books to your baby even before he can walk and talk. The best baby books feature bright pictures and simple text.
- Read to your baby as often as you think of it. Make it part of your daily routine—before naps and bedtime are easy times to fit in a story or two. This offers the bonus result of calming your baby.
- Choose comfortable reading spots. Find several places in your home that will make baby and toddler reading a pleasure. Make sure each spot has: a cozy seat that fits the two of you; good lighting; a stash of favorite books, a soft blanket and a stuffed animal for snuggling.
- For very young babies, choose short books with big, colorful pictures. This is not the time for the elaborate plots of some popular children’s books—your baby won’t sit still past page two. Instead, choose books with one or two short sentences per page—try toddlers books or funny bedtime stories.
- Later, books that are lyrical, such as nursery rhymes. Young-reader selections by Dr. Seuss, will captivate children with their rhythm, helping develop a love of language.
- Make reading interactive. As you go through the book, point out pictures of interest. “See the cat, Jimmy?” Also, take time to get a response from your listener: “Look at the foot, Sarah. Where is your foot? Can you touch your foot? Here is Sarah’s foot. Tickle, tickle!”
- You don’t always have to read a long book word for word. Instead, skip pages and paraphrase the story. Gradually start sticking to the book as written—especially once your child points out, “Mommy, you missed a page!”
- Know when to stop. When your little one gets restless and asks to be put down, close the book. Make reading fun, not a chore.
Source: Lynn Dean