Reading is one of the most crucial skills your child will acquire in life. It is important for communication as well since it connects listening, speaking, and writing while stimulating their creativity. But how do you make sure your little one gets the most out of it? Here’s how you can introduce books to toddlers.
Choose picture-heavy books that are brief and interesting
Look for picture books with flaps and interesting materials. Consider some of your toddler’s favourite items and select books that will appeal to them. Your child will be more invested in reading with you if they are interested. A baby is alert from the moment they are born, and their brain develops rapidly. They will begin to use their eyes to follow moving things, particularly toys and books with bold, geometric patterns. Books that excite a baby’s growing senses should be introduced to them during this period. Some preschools near me read out books to the toddlers and also guide the parents about it.
Show the cover picture of the book to your toddler
Hold the book for your toddler once both of you have settled in. Ask your child to describe the cover and see if they can predict what will be discussed in the tale. When you are reading with a younger child, such as a 2-year-old, he/she may only be able to respond with simple responses. Most play schools near me use this technique so that they can grab the attention of the children.
Read with expressions
While you read out to your toddler, modulate your voice to a lower and higher pitch wherever it is appropriate to bring in the expression and make the story interesting. You can also use different voices for different characters so that it will keep your child hooked. This will build in the intrigue and further help develop their imagination.
Read slowly so your toddler can understand the story
Even if your child can understand your language, they might not be able to grasp things quickly. You need to read slowly and take a pause after every sentence so that they can imagine the story. When you read slowly, children will listen to every word carefully and try to understand the story as you read it ahead.
Creating a Reading Routine
Take out time from your schedule every day specifically for a reading session with your child. You might want to set aside some time before bed or nap time, depending on your plans for the day, when your child is more relaxed and willing to listen. You might even read a story to your child before leaving them at a daycare or preschool.
Gift them books with fun textures and materials
Look for stories that include interactive elements such as flaps, sliding pages, soft materials, and other interactive elements. Encourage your child to engage with the pages as much as possible by opening the flaps. Invite your youngster to touch and investigate the text if the book has rough surfaces. Cloth books are an excellent choice for this. You can tie these books to the shopping cart for quick reading if you’re on the go or at a grocery store. This way, you can keep them occupied with an activity that will be helpful to them in the long run.
Allow your toddler to choose the book you will read together
Organize your toddler’s books in a basket or other container. Keep the books close to the ground so that your child may look through them. When it’s time for book reading, have the toddler choose a book for you both to read. If your child chooses the book, he or she will feel more connected and interested. Every other week, rotate the books provided so that the child is excited by the new selections. Preschool near me let the children choose their own book to read along with the teachers.
Read your child’s favorite books again if they request it
Don’t stop your kids from reading the same books you do. Instead, use repetition to help the youngster memorise key passages from the book, which will make story time more interesting in the future. You can urge your child to read the book to you once they’ve grown comfortable with it.
The more books are integrated into children’s daily lives, the more likely they are to regard reading as a joy and a blessing. Allow the books to work their magic in your toddler’s life.
